Data center concerns reported in New Mexico
State leaders in New Mexico are examining the potential impact of data centers on drinking water, specifically focusing on Project Jupiter in Dona Ana County. Oracle, the project's developer, claims to have updated the design to avoid using public drinking water for cooling. Water experts are urging lawmakers to implement water conservation plans as high temperatures and low rainfall persist.
New Mexico state leaders are currently investigating the potential environmental impact of data centers on the state's drinking water supply. During a recent committee meeting, lawmakers received a briefing on "Project Jupiter," a massive 1400-acre data center development located in Dona Ana County. The project has primarily used water for construction thus far, but the Office of the State Engineer noted inconsistencies in the reported water needs.
Oracle, identified as the developer behind Project Jupiter, has stated that it has updated the project's design. This revision, according to Oracle, will eliminate the use of public drinking water for the data center's cooling systems, opting instead for non-potable water sources.
In light of ongoing high temperatures and low rainfall, water experts used the committee hearing to strongly advocate for lawmakers to initiate and implement comprehensive water conservation plans. They warned that New Mexico must prepare for a significant reduction of river water, potentially as much as 25 percent, within the next five decades.