Data Centers Decoded: Water and electricity usage put into context
Six Nebraska data centers reported using about 779.6 million gallons of water, with the water supplied through municipal systems rather than large-capacity groundwater wells. The Google data center in Lincoln used electricity equivalent to the peak demand of roughly 13,162 homes, while Lincoln Electric System said Google pays directly for its energy and infrastructure upgrades.
Nebraska’s six data centers reported approximately 779.6 million gallons of water use in their annual filings. University of Nebraska-Lincoln geologist Aaron Young said that amount is comparable to applying about 8.9 inches of irrigation to five square miles of farmland, and he found no evidence that data centers are currently depleting the Ogallala aquifer. Young said the facilities were using municipal water systems and had not applied for large water-user permits through local Natural Resources Districts.
The Google data center in Lincoln was identified as a Lincoln Transportation and Utilities customer. Lincoln Electric System Strategy and Innovation Director Scott Benson said the facility’s peak electricity demand equaled that of about 13,162.5 average Lincoln homes, but Google pays the utility directly for its energy and for infrastructure upgrades needed to serve the site. Water, Energy and Environment Director Jesse Bradley attributed broader groundwater declines primarily to drought, limited snowpack and insufficient rainfall, while energy consultant John Krajewski described data centers as a major recent disruption for utilities.