Fresh water supply at stake when it comes to data centers
News ClipThe News-Item·Mount Carmel, Northumberland County, PA·5/6/2026
Mount Carmel Township is considering new zoning that would permit data centers, raising concerns among residents about the potential impact on the local fresh water supply. Data centers are known for consuming large quantities of water for cooling, with some facilities requiring millions of gallons daily. Residents are urged to pay close attention to this proposed zoning.
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Gov: Mount Carmel Township
Residents of Mount Carmel Township are urged to closely monitor proposed zoning changes that would permit data center development, citing significant concerns regarding the local fresh water supply. The anonymous letter to the editor highlights the substantial water consumption of data centers, which operate continuously and can use up to 1 million gallons per day for a mid-size facility. The letter references the proposed Wildcat Ridge data center in Archbald, Pennsylvania, as an example, noting its estimated requirement of 3.3 million gallons daily and the aggressive opposition it faces from local officials. The author emphasizes that the township's decision on this zoning could have a critical impact on water resources.