As McLean County weighs data centers, Joliet's massive project puts water use in context
An article explores the water usage of data centers, using a large 1.8-gigawatt facility approved in Joliet, Illinois, as a primary example. It highlights that the Joliet data center's water consumption, averaging 120,000 gallons per day, is significantly less than that of a typical golf course or even some car washes and manufacturing plants. The discussion provides context for McLean County, which is currently weighing the environmental impacts of potential new data center developments, including water supply concerns.
The article from WGLT, a local NPR affiliate, provides context on data center water usage as McLean County considers potential new facilities. It contrasts the water demands of the recently approved 1.8-gigawatt Joliet Technology Center in Joliet, Illinois, with other industrial and recreational activities. Alison Swisher, director of Joliet Public Utilities, stated the Joliet data center averages 120,000 gallons of water per day, with much of it for irrigation rather than cooling, as modern facilities often use closed-loop systems requiring minimal replenishment.
Swisher emphasized that the city's agreement with the data center company includes specific caps on daily and maximum water use. The article points out that this usage is less than 40% of what a typical U.S. golf course consumes monthly, and significantly less than manufacturing plants like Rivian's or multiple car washes in Bloomington-Normal.
The piece also explores potential solutions for water conservation, such as using treated gray water. A bill signed into law last August allows districts like Decatur Sanitary District and Bloomington-Normal Water Reclamation District to sell treated gray water for industrial purposes, potentially including data centers. However, state plumbing codes and Illinois EPA rules currently pose barriers to widespread adoption of gray water reuse.
While data centers employ fewer workers than traditional industrial facilities like Rivian, the article notes that the $20 billion Joliet Technology Center represents a substantial property tax investment, comparing favorably to Rivian's financial commitment. John Burkhart, Town of Normal Water Director, contributed data on local water usage by other industries.