Google to Use Air-Cooling at Future Botetourt County Data Center
Google announced it will use air-cooling instead of water cooling for the first of three data center buildings in Botetourt County, Virginia, aiming to reduce water usage. Despite this change, local residents remain concerned about the project's overall water consumption, which could still reach up to 8 million gallons per day.
Google has announced a significant change to its planned data center in Botetourt County, Virginia, opting for air-cooling instead of water cooling for its first of three buildings. This decision is expected to reduce the facility's water usage.
The announcement comes after the Western Virginia Water Authority revealed details about Google's initial request for up to 8 million gallons of water per day for its future data center. The Authority had conducted extensive studies on water supply and customer impact, noting that any request for the full 8 million gallons would only be met if it aligns with current and future water demand in the area.
Despite Google's revised plans, residents in Botetourt County remain concerned about the project's overall environmental impact, particularly its potential water consumption. One resident remarked that the announcement "doesn't mean that our situation gets better; it just gets different," highlighting ongoing worries about the data center's resource demands.