Residents question water use as Utah faces drought, data center plan
A proposed data center project in Box Elder County, Utah, is facing significant opposition due to its projected annual water consumption of billions of gallons. This concern is amplified by ongoing drought conditions and water restrictions across northern Utah. Residents and environmental groups are urging Governor Cox to intervene to protect local water resources.
Local water restrictions are taking effect across northern Utah following one of the driest winters, prompting residents to question conservation messages in light of a proposed data center in Box Elder County. The "Stratos project" could require billions of gallons of water annually, raising significant concerns about its environmental impact.
Scott Paxman, general manager and CEO of the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District, reported that local reservoirs are not at full capacity, leading to requests for reduced irrigation and household water use. Residents, such as Alex Chappell from Layton, expressed worry over reservoir levels that are reportedly only 60% full. Utah Clean Energy, a Salt Lake-based nonprofit, estimates the data center would need 16.6 billion gallons of water per year, equivalent to approximately 25,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Over 6,000 Utah residents have signed a letter to Governor Spencer Cox, urging him to protect the Great Salt Lake, its wetlands, and northern Utah communities from the data center's water demands. They plan to deliver the letter to the Capitol.
Kevin O'Leary, identified as the man behind the data center, has publicly dismissed opponents' concerns, claiming a