Data center growth requires a Nebraska approach to water use
Nebraska is evaluating data center growth through a locally grounded lens, particularly regarding water resources. Google, a major data center operator in the state, is involved in water stewardship initiatives, including partnerships in the Platte River Basin and a significant contribution to Omaha's Metropolitan Utilities District for leak detection. The Nebraska Legislature recently passed LB 1010, requiring annual reporting of data center water and energy usage to enhance transparency.
State Senator Bruce Brandt of Plymouth, who chairs the Nebraska Legislature's Natural Resources Committee, emphasized the critical importance of water resources in Nebraska, tying it to agriculture, economic development, and community growth. He advocated for a practical, locally grounded approach to data center investment, acknowledging the economic benefits while stressing the need to address water interaction responsibly.
Google, a significant tech presence in Nebraska, has implemented site-specific cooling systems and publishes annual water metrics, utilizing a water risk framework for local watershed health. The company has engaged in partnerships, including with local farmers and Natural Resources Districts in the Platte River Basin, to introduce precision irrigation technology and support groundwater recharge along the North Loup River. In the Omaha area, Google is collaborating with local water districts and has contributed $3 million to the Metropolitan Utilities District of Omaha to expand leak detection, aiming to save an estimated 1 billion gallons of water annually.
Senator Brandt highlighted that responsible development should strengthen local infrastructure. The Nebraska Legislature passed LB 1010 earlier this year, a bill championed by Brandt, which mandates annual reporting by data centers on their water and energy usage. This measure aims to increase transparency and provide policymakers and the public with crucial information regarding the costs and benefits of hosting these facilities in the state, reinforcing the expectation of transparency, local collaboration, and measurable water stewardship.