The Non-Existent Water for the Data Center

A data center project planned for Imperial County, California, is being criticized for lacking a fundamental water plan, despite claims from "the developer" of using 100% recycled water for cooling. According to the article, this claim is misleading as the facility would still require a safe, reliable potable water supply and sewer services for basic operations, including restrooms and breakrooms for over 100 employees, as mandated by the California Plumbing Code and Health and Safety Code. The essential potable water and sewer infrastructure would realistically need to be provided by either the City of Imperial or the City of El Centro. However, no signed agreements, approvals, or "will serve" letters from either city have been secured. Furthermore, if cities are to provide services outside their boundaries, it would necessitate a formal process through the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), involving public hearings and boundary considerations, none of which have occurred. The article questions how Imperial County can consider the project ready for building and grading permits when such critical infrastructure and agreements are non-existent, asserting that the current situation is based on "talking points" rather than a concrete plan.