Tucson cuts off water for Project Blue, demands payback

Tucson city officials have halted water access to the Project Blue data centers complex and are seeking reimbursement, citing unauthorized use of city water at the construction site. According to City Manager Timothy Thomure's letter to developers, a construction water meter obtained by contractor Ames Construction for dust control was used outside the designated Tucson Water service area. Thomure explicitly stated the city's non-support for Project Blue and its refusal to provide city resources, including water. Beale Infrastructure, the project's developer, countered, asserting that their contractor followed standard procedure for temporary water permits and would be billed accordingly. They also indicated they are now sourcing non-drinking water from an alternative provider. City spokesman Andy Squire clarified that while the application process for the meter was followed, the use of the water outside the service area for Project Blue was unauthorized, a fact known to the primary company. This action follows the Tucson City Council's unanimous vote last August to reject annexing the Project Blue site, which was then linked to Amazon, due to significant concerns over water and electricity usage. Although Amazon subsequently withdrew from the project, Beale Infrastructure is continuing development and seeking new partners after acquiring the land from Pima County. The community group No Desert Data Center Coalition and City Councilmember Kevin Dahl, a vocal critic, have praised the city's recent decision, highlighting ongoing community opposition.