Nye County Water District discusses potential of Pahrump data center
The Nye County Water District discussed the potential for a data center in Pahrump, primarily focusing on water and energy conservation. While no specific proposal exists for Nye County, the board expressed a desire to establish regulations similar to those in Las Vegas. This discussion comes amidst broader controversy across Nevada, with Boulder City having denied a proposal and Reno enacting a pause on new applications.
The Nye County Water District recently convened to deliberate on the possibility of a data center development in Pahrump, Nevada. The discussion, which went back and forth, primarily focused on critical concerns regarding water and energy conservation within Pahrump and across Nye County. Board members underscored the precious nature of local water resources, with one member stating an unwillingness to move forward with projects requiring "1000 acre feet of water" in good faith, though acknowledging that data centers can exist with minimal water usage at a higher cost.
Despite there being no current proposals for data centers in Nye County, the Water Board expressed its proactive stance, indicating a desire to establish regulations. The ultimate decision on any potential data center would rest with the County Commissioners, but the Water Board discussed implementing rules similar to those in Las Vegas, where the Southern Nevada Water Authority bans evaporative cooling, mandating data centers use little to no water.
This local discussion is part of a wider statewide debate. Las Vegas currently hosts around 70 data centers. Notably, the Boulder City Planning Commission recently denied a data center proposal following weeks of public controversy. Furthermore, the Reno City Council voted to enact a pause on new data center applications until stricter water and energy regulations can be drafted. An NV Energy analysis suggests data centers could account for 64% of energy sales in Nevada within 20 years.