Clean water advocates worry about data center impact on drinking water
Water policy experts warn that data center construction runoff and wastewater may carry chemicals, metals and other pollutants into wetlands, streams and drinking-water systems. The article also highlights data centers’ substantial water and electricity use, as well as increased flooding risks linked to climate change.
Reese Dillard, water policy coordinator for the Michigan Environmental Council, said stormwater runoff from data center construction sites can contain particulates that threaten public health and ecosystems. She urged developers to upgrade stormwater infrastructure as heavier precipitation increases flooding risks.
Data centers consume large amounts of water for cooling, often drawing from municipal systems, treated wastewater or surface and groundwater. A Congressional Research Service report cited in the article says wastewater discharges can contain chemicals used in cooling systems, along with metals produced by pipe corrosion, potentially contaminating wetlands, streams and drinking-water supplies if they are not properly treated.