Utah Data Center Water Request Withdrawn After Protests

A significant application to transfer 1,900 acre-feet of water for the Stratos Project, a hyperscale data center development in Box Elder County, Utah, has been withdrawn. The decision followed an unprecedented wave of nearly 4,000 protests filed with the Utah Division of Water Rights, with citizens expressing deep concerns over the region's dwindling water supplies, ongoing drought conditions, and the potential impact on the Great Salt Lake. The water, historically used for irrigation by Bar H Ranch, was intended for industrial use, including a natural-gas fired power plant and the data center, also known as "Wonder Valley" and associated with "Shark Tank" personality Kevin O'Leary. Despite the withdrawal of this specific water transfer application, a consultant representing the water right holders affirmed that the developers "fully intend to move forward with the project" and remain committed to the process. The application's withdrawal came shortly after the Box Elder County Commission voted to approve the overall data center project. This suggests that while the immediate plan for water acquisition has been set back by public opposition, the project itself has secured a key local government endorsement, indicating a continued path forward for the developers.