Virginia experts concerned about long-term water impact of Google data center
Experts are raising concerns about the long-term impact of Google's planned data center in Botetourt County, Virginia, on the region's water supply. The facility plans to draw up to 2 million gallons per day from Carvins Cove, with potential to increase to 8 million gallons per day. Concerns include aging infrastructure, drought conditions, and the potential ecological impact on the reservoir.
Experts have voiced significant concerns regarding the long-term water supply impact of Google's proposed data center in Botetourt County, Virginia. The facility intends to draw up to 2 million gallons of water daily from Carvins Cove, a figure that could escalate to 8 million gallons per day with future approval from the Western Virginia Water Authority.
Manoochehr Shirzaei, director of Virginia Tech's Earth Observation and Innovation Lab, highlighted a compounding effect of climate change, population growth, economic reliance on water, and the reservoir's nearly 80-year-old infrastructure. He warned that such a high water demand, without substantial investment in upgrades, could lead to pump failures, water quality issues, and ecological damage to the reservoir's ecosystem. Shirzaei suggested that Google should be required to participate in the maintenance and management of Carvins Cove as part of any development agreement.
Steve Rossi, an engineer with decades of experience in water systems, echoed concerns about committing large volumes of water for non-potable industrial use, especially given the ongoing drought and the inherent risks of Carvins Cove's geology and age as a long-term water source. He indicated that usable fresh water is a finite and increasingly contested resource. Both experts stressed the need for a holistic approach to water management to accommodate all stakeholders, including the data center. The Western Virginia Water Authority, while stating the cove can handle current demands, has implemented various improvements to the dam, water treatment facility, and distribution network to enhance resiliency.