Data center concerns prompt ordinance proposal

Pahrump, Nevada residents are increasingly concerned about the potential for data centers to locate in their community, primarily due to the significant water consumption associated with such facilities, especially in an area solely reliant on Basin No. 162. During a May 26 meeting, the Nye County Water District Governing Board discussed the issue, noting the extensive public worry and a proposal from a data center developer seeking power from Valley Electric Association. Board member Michael Lach highlighted that a single 100-megawatt system could consume between 2,000 and 4,000 acre-feet of water, which would represent an "obscene" 15% of the basin's estimated 20,000 acre-feet recharge.

While the water district clarified it lacks direct authority over approving data centers, General Manager Dann Weeks emphasized their concern for public input. Nye County Commissioner Debra Strickland, acting as liaison to the water board, suggested the county commission could impose a moratorium on data center approvals until regulations are established. Following this, Weeks presented a draft ordinance, adapted from another community's legislation, which would designate data centers as non-permissive use within the Pahrump Regional Planning District and Nevada Hydrographic Basin No. 162. After unanimous public comment against data centers, the water board voted to approve this draft language and forward it to the Nye County Commission for adoption.