Inyokern AI data center plan raises water use concerns in drought-stricken area
A proposed AI data center in the drought-stricken desert community of Inyokern, California, is raising significant water use concerns among residents and officials in nearby Ridgecrest. Critics worry about the project's impact on water bills and the already limited water supply, despite the developer's claims of low water usage.
A proposed AI data center in Inyokern, California, is generating debate over its potential water consumption in a drought-affected region. Residents, like Jennifer Slayton, express concern that the project could significantly increase their water bills and strain local resources, as water is already a precious commodity in the area.
Ridgecrest Councilman Gorman highlighted the substantial water demands of data centers, noting that estimates for cooling the facility could reach up to 5 million gallons daily, although the exact figure remains unclear. Developers have launched a website to address these concerns, claiming their data center will use 98% less water than traditional facilities and 57 times less than local mining operations. They also state that independent technical studies have indicated less than significant environmental impacts across various categories, including water, air quality, and noise.
However, a water expert interviewed for the report pointed out a general lack of transparency regarding water usage data for data centers across California. Furthermore, developers of the Inyokern project are seeking a small power plant exemption, which would allow them to bypass a full environmental review during the permitting process. Professor Stuart Fry questioned the developer's hesitancy to undergo a comprehensive environmental assessment, noting a trend of data centers moving into rural areas with limited water access. The reporter, Jake Shriner, attempted to reach the developers for comment but received no response.