Water quality a focus at second data center forum

Water quality a focus at second data center forum

News ClipDyersville Commercial·Dubuque County, IA·8/19/2026

The Dubuque County Supervisors hosted their second public forum on data center issues, with a primary focus on water quality and usage. Experts from state and county agencies, including the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Iowa Geological Survey, addressed a large audience. The event aimed to explore the environmental considerations surrounding data center development.

waterenvironmentalgovernment
Gov: Dubuque County Supervisors, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Geological Survey, Dubuque County Watersheds

The Dubuque County Supervisors held a second forum on August 12, focusing on the environmental impacts of data centers, specifically water quality and usage. The event took place in a crowded conference room at Northeast Iowa Community College, drawing considerable public interest.

Speakers included Eric Schmechel, Director of Dubuque County Watersheds, Mike Anderson, Director of the Iowa Water Use Program with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and Keith Schilling, Director of the Iowa Geological Survey. The forum provided a platform for experts to present information and for the public to engage in discussions regarding the critical water-related aspects of data center operations.