Rochester letter warns data center cooling could strain groundwater supplies
A Rochester letter argues that data centers could place additional pressure on Minnesota’s groundwater, especially the aquifer system used for community drinking water. The writer cites drought, existing groundwater depletion and increased purification costs as reasons to limit further high-volume pumping.
A Rochester resident argues that Minnesota’s groundwater availability is attracting data center development because facilities require substantial cooling capacity. The letter says cooling systems may draw from the St. Peter-Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer, which supplies drinking water across southern Minnesota, and could return water to rivers after use.
The writer cites localized groundwater declines identified by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, including a cone of depression around high-capacity wells in Rochester. The letter also references Rochester Public Utilities’ restrictions on drilling into the aquifer, drought-related recharge concerns and the potential need for more costly water purification infrastructure.