Yukon leaders look for new water sources amid data center proposal

The City of Yukon, Oklahoma, faces an urgent need to secure new water sources as its current contract with Oklahoma City is set to expire in 2035. This critical situation is unfolding amidst ongoing discussions regarding a proposed data center development within the city, which has ignited significant local concern over future water availability. Public and political apprehension is growing, with current and incoming Yukon city council members expressing differing views on the city's water future. Residents, such as Zachary Kastl, voiced worries about the sufficiency of the current water supply. Yukon Mayor Brian Pillmore indicated that the city is exploring several potential water sources, including the City of Bethany and El Reno, to meet future residential demands, clarifying that this research is not directly related to the data center proposal. The City of Yukon has issued a fact sheet to address rumors, stating that any proposed data center would be limited to using non-potable water primarily for cooling purposes, with potable water reserved for standard business needs like restrooms. A memo from Garver USA, a consulting firm hired by Yukon, suggests that a non-potable reuse treatment system with a potential capacity of 2.5 MGD (million gallons per day) is feasible for industrial users, which could include a data center. Despite these assurances, Yukon Ward 2 Councilmember-Elect Jordan Westfall remains a staunch opponent of the data center, arguing it is irresponsible to consider such a project while the city grapples with its water supply challenges. Mayor Pillmore emphasized that any potential data center sale would involve multiple prerequisites, including environmental studies, infrastructure development, and water agreements, with further water discussions scheduled for May after new council members are sworn in.