Columbus Water Works interim president addresses Project Ruby data center demands
Brittany Brossett has been named interim president of Columbus Water Works, taking over a critical role in the city. She affirmed that the utility has ample capacity to support the proposed multi-billion-dollar Project Ruby data center, addressing concerns about its water and power demands without impacting current customers. Brossett will also oversee major infrastructure initiatives, including a new wastewater treatment plant and PFAS treatment upgrades.
Columbus Water Works has appointed Brittany Brossett as its interim president, effective immediately. Brossett, who has served the utility for over a decade, succeeds Jeremy Cummings, who resigned after 27 years.
In her new role, Brossett emphasized the utility's capacity to serve the proposed multi-billion-dollar Project Ruby data center. Despite significant public attention regarding the project's water and power demands, Brossett stated that Columbus Water Works operates at just over one-third of its water withdrawal capacity, ensuring it can accommodate new economic development without affecting existing customers.
Brossett also outlined other key initiatives, including the replacement of a decades-old wastewater treatment plant and the funding of new PFAS treatment requirements at its Columbus and Fort Benning facilities. She acknowledged that these projects would necessitate substantial investment, requiring a careful balance with customer affordability. The Board of Water Commissioners has not yet provided a timeline for naming a permanent president.