Google invests $30M in Oklahoma water conservation as data centers raise concerns
Google has announced a $30 million investment in Oklahoma water conservation projects, aiming to address concerns about data centers' significant water usage. These projects include cedar tree removal along the Arkansas River and aquifer protection in the panhandle. The initiative seeks to improve water conservation and efficiency within Oklahoma communities.
Google has committed $30 million to water conservation projects across Oklahoma communities, a move aimed at mitigating concerns over the high water consumption by data centers in the state. The investment targets initiatives such as cedar tree removal and aquifer protection.
Trey Lam, executive director of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, highlighted that cedar trees are major water users, with an estimated 15 million acres in the state each consuming 10 to 60 gallons daily. Google has allocated $1.5 million for the removal of cedars from approximately 2,000 acres along the Arkansas River through its "Terry Peach Project," which is expected to save about 100 million gallons of water. An additional $800,000 is earmarked for aquifer conservation in the Oklahoma panhandle, projected to save 81 million gallons.
Despite these conservation efforts, Google's data center in Pryor reportedly used over 1.1 billion gallons of water in a single year, an amount five times greater than the combined savings from these new projects. Google stated it is also working on reducing water usage at its facilities by implementing more efficient cooling systems and exploring alternative water sources. The company plans to announce further Oklahoma projects that will benefit from the $30 million investment in the coming years.