Linn County considers Google-funded independent water study tied to Palo data center
Linn County is considering an agreement under which Google would reimburse the county up to $242,000 for an independently controlled study of water resources related to the planned Palo data center. The study would examine water use, future demand, aquifers and drought conditions, while county officials emphasize that Google would not control the scope or findings.
The Linn County Board of Supervisors is expected to consider an agreement requiring Google to reimburse up to $242,000 for a water study conducted by consulting firm Black & Veatch. The county would select the consultant and control the study’s scope and results, which would examine the Cedar River, area aquifers, projected water demand and conditions during both normal and drought years.
County officials said the study would inform future water policies but would not commit Linn County to approving or rejecting Google’s planned data center in Palo. Google said it has already conducted its own assessment and is pursuing water replenishment and water-quality projects in Iowa. Results from the county-commissioned study are expected in March.