Ypsilanti Township Seeks Utility Pause for Data Centers

Ypsilanti Township officials have formally requested the Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority (YCUA) to impose a 12-month moratorium on approving water and sewer services for new data center developments. This move comes after the Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees unanimously approved a resolution on April 15 advocating for such a pause. The township's primary concern, articulated by Township attorney Wm. Douglas Winters, is the potential strain on existing sewer capacity, which could impede future residential and commercial development within the area. The resolution also seeks to evaluate the long-term water supply, environmental effects, emergency response needs, and potential cost increases for current utility customers, citing industry guidance that large data centers can consume up to 5 million gallons of water daily. Residents expressed concerns at the April 15 meeting regarding water use, pollution, noise, light, and property values. Township Clerk Debbie Swanson emphasized a methodical approach to addressing these infrastructure challenges. The YCUA board is scheduled to consider a resolution on April 22 to enact this moratorium. This decision by YCUA, which serves multiple communities, is seen as a potential precedent for how other local governments and regional utilities in Washtenaw County and across Michigan may respond to the increasing number of data center proposals, which are attracted to the state by tax incentives, available power, and water access. A proposed data center project near the Huron River on University of Michigan land has been a particular focus of local concern.