Chicago-area water district explores selling treated wastewater to data centers amid opposition
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago is exploring selling treated sewer water to data centers to generate revenue and conserve Lake Michigan water. This initiative comes despite growing public and local government opposition to data center development, particularly from Cicero officials who have passed resolutions against potential sites. No deals are currently in place, but the district sees it as a significant opportunity.
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), which manages Cook County's sewer system, is actively seeking to sell treated sewer water to large data centers, especially those supporting artificial intelligence applications. This initiative is aimed at generating millions of dollars in new revenue for the MWRD's nearly $2 billion annual budget and protecting fresh Lake Michigan water supplies.
The MWRD's treated wastewater, while not potable, is suitable for industrial use, including the extensive cooling operations required by data centers. The agency's board passed a resolution last year to pursue these opportunities, and MWRD Executive Director John Murray confirmed the district's openness to serving data centers, noting they own thousands of acres of riverfront land for industrial leases.
However, these plans are unfolding amid widespread public skepticism and local government opposition to data center proliferation. A recent University of Chicago poll indicated significant public concern over data centers' impact on water supply and electricity prices. Locally, Cicero officials passed resolutions opposing potential data center developments, including one next to the MWRD's Stickney water treatment plant (which has a Cicero address) and another at the former Hawthorne horse racing track site.
MWRD Commissioner Cameron Davis emphasized the dual benefits of the plan, stating that recycled water could reduce taxpayer pressure through a new revenue stream and decrease the reliance on Lake Michigan water for industrial purposes. The district also engaged in discussions with MicroLink, a startup focused on sustainable data center design, though these talks did not result in a deal. The Chicago area currently hosts over 200 data centers.