Botetourt County planning commissioner concerned about data center’s future water impact

A Botetourt County planning commissioner, Mark Tyson, is voicing strong concerns regarding the potential impact of a planned Google data center on the region's water supply. Tyson, citing conversations with outside water experts and his own research, specifically highlighted the danger of the data center drawing up to 8 million gallons per day (MGD) from Carvins Cove during a drought scenario, potentially leading to a water crisis within 60 days. He also expressed worries about silt buildup in Carvins Cove and the structural integrity of the reservoir due to its age and underlying karst geology.

The Botetourt County Board of Supervisors responded to these concerns by voting to establish an independent water commission, tasked with evaluating the Google data center's impact on natural resources. This move has drawn criticism from Tyson, who believes such evaluations typically fall within the Planning Commission's purview. He noted that the Planning Commission's own efforts to investigate the water situation and plan a public forum were halted by a county media release stating they lacked the legal authority.

The Western Virginia Water Authority, however, disputes Tyson's assessment, asserting that current water sources can support Google's project. They clarified that Google is currently approved for a maximum withdrawal of 2 MGD from Carvins Cove, with an option for an additional 6 MGD requiring further approval, extensive studies, and potentially alternative water sources and new infrastructure. The authority emphasized its comprehensive approach to water supply for all customers and noted Google would be subject to the same voluntary and mandatory water restrictions as other users.

In a related development, Google announced a week prior that it would switch to air cooling for the first of its three planned data center buildings in Botetourt County, a decision expected to decrease its water usage significantly. While this change allows for faster operations by eliminating the need for new water lines for the first building, Buildings Two and Three are still projected to be water-cooled. The Water Authority has scheduled a public open house for August 25 to present information on water supply and gather public input. Botetourt County Administrator Gary Larrowe expressed trust in the Water Authority's expertise, suggesting that Google's investment would help fund future water infrastructure.