Port prepares to manage Microsoft's used cooling water in Malaga
Microsoft is building three data center buildings in Malaga, Washington, and the Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority is preparing to manage millions of gallons of used cooling water each year. The port plans to store the water in lined basins and use it to irrigate grass fields while monitoring nitrates, dissolved solids and other water-quality measures.
Microsoft is constructing three data center buildings of roughly 210,000 square feet each in Malaga, with the first expected to begin operating shortly, the second targeted for late fall and the third scheduled for completion in 2027. The development will generate millions of gallons of used cooling water annually.
The Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority provided a tour of its Malaga Cooling Water Disposal Facility, where the water will be stored in basins and distributed to grass spray fields for irrigation. RH2 engineer Adam Neff explained the facility’s operations and monitoring plans, including efforts to track nitrates, dissolved solids and other water-quality indicators.