California data centers' water usage undisclosed amid legislative push
A new report highlights that data center operators in California are not publicly disclosing their water usage, leading to concerns as new facilities expand into water-stressed communities. State lawmakers are again attempting to pass legislation requiring disclosure and imposing restrictions after a previous bill was vetoed by Governor Newsom. Community opposition is also rising in affected areas.
A new report from Next10 and Santa Clara University researchers indicates that data center developers in California are not publicly disclosing their water usage, despite a significant buildout into water-stressed regions like the Central and Imperial Valleys. The study found that a patchwork of state, federal, and local policies allows operators to avoid transparency, making it difficult for communities and researchers to assess the environmental impact.
California lawmakers, led by Assemblymember Diane Papan (D-San Mateo), are making a renewed effort to pass legislation mandating water use disclosures and imposing development restrictions in overdrafted groundwater basins. This follows Governor Gavin Newsom's veto of a similar bill last year, citing concerns about impacts on businesses and consumers. Two new bills have cleared a key legislative stage but face strong opposition from the tech industry and business groups.
Community pushback against data center projects is growing, exemplified by Monterey Park residents successfully opposing a project and now pursuing a citywide ban due to environmental concerns and lack of information. Experts like Irina Raicu of Santa Clara University and Shaolei Ren of UC Riverside emphasize the critical need for data transparency, especially given California's precarious water supplies. The Data Center Coalition argues the industry uses less water than other sectors but provides no specific data.