QTS data center project raises questions about Savannah River water use

QTS is developing a $2 billion, six-building data center campus near Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia, a project that is sparking discussions regarding its anticipated water consumption from the Savannah River. While Augusta Utilities Director Wes Byne stated the projected 18,000 gallons per day for cooling is minimal compared to the river's daily flow and the city's overall usage, QTS has noted it's still in the early planning stages, making precise water needs difficult to predict. The company also clarified that its data centers are designed with closed-loop cooling systems that do not consume water once operational. Byne is proposing a solution to address concerns about using drinking water for cooling: allowing QTS to use the city's treated wastewater. This innovative approach would benefit Augusta by reducing its discharge into the river, helping the city comply with Clean Water Act regulations as it nears its permitted wastewater discharge capacity. The treated wastewater would be used for cooling and then evaporated, eliminating the need for the data center to draw from the drinking water supply. Richmond County leaders plan to hold a community meeting on the project in June, following initial resident concerns regarding water use.