Records raise questions about Georgia’s largest data center and its water use
Fayette County, Georgia, residents are increasingly opposing data center development due to environmental concerns, noise, and significant water usage. Local records show QTS, operating Georgia's largest data center in Fayetteville, was retroactively billed for water from lines installed without county knowledge, though the county later clarified the issue was due to technology upgrades. Public outcry led to the denial of a permit for a second proposed data center in Fayetteville.
Georgia is rapidly becoming a major hub for data centers, with 160 sites planned or operating across the state, leading to widespread public pushback and concerns. Residents in Fayette County, specifically Fayetteville, are vocalizing strong opposition to the proliferation of these facilities, citing environmental impacts, constant noise from construction and operations, and substantial resource consumption.
A key point of contention is the water usage by QTS, which operates Georgia's largest data center in Fayetteville. Internal Fayette County records obtained by Atlanta News First Investigates revealed that QTS had installed two additional water lines without county knowledge or inspection. A neighbor's complaint about low water pressure in 2025 prompted an investigation, leading the county to retroactively bill QTS an additional $147,000 for what appeared to be unauthorized water use. However, the county later issued a public statement retracting some claims, blaming "unclear" communication and water system technology upgrades for misunderstandings. QTS denies any improper water use.
Local opposition has empowered residents like Jesse Brooks, who organized efforts against a second proposed data center in Fayetteville. This community activism culminated in a county commission meeting where leaders ultimately denied the permit for the new facility. Opponents highlighted concerns about the impact on local creeks, rivers, wetlands, and wildlife, alongside the significant water demands of data centers.
Georgia Tech researcher and professor Ahmed Saeed provided context on data center resource consumption, explaining that while water usage can seem staggering (QTS was billed for 109 million gallons since February 2024), it's often a trade-off with electricity use. He noted that Georgia's robust electricity supply means data centers here might rely more on power for cooling than water. Saeed concluded that one or two large data centers might not have a huge impact comparable to other industries, but a concentration of "tens of such data centers" would make water consumption a significant problem. Despite these explanations, the public outcry against data centers in their communities remains strong.