Linn County approves water study agreement with Google
Linn County supervisors unanimously approved an agreement for Google to pay $242,323 toward the first phase of an independent regional water-resources study. The study will assess water availability, future demand and drought risks as the county plans for future development, including potential data centers, but it will not determine where data centers can be built.
The Linn County Board of Supervisors voted 3-0 to approve a memorandum of understanding under which Google will fund the first phase of a regional water-balance study. The study will examine existing water resources, projected demand, drought risks and data gaps, with Black & Veatch providing the cost estimate and Linn County overseeing the work.
County officials said the research will remain independent and that Google will not review the findings before they are released publicly. Sustainability Director Cara Matteson said the study is intended to support broad county planning rather than make decisions about a particular data center site. Supervisor Sami Scheetz said the information could help guide development decisions after the county's data center moratorium ends next year.
Supervisors also approved a resolution reaffirming their opposition to the Morgan Valley Energy Center, which will be sent to the Iowa Utilities Commission for consideration.