Data Centers' Water Use in California Remains Unclear | REAL 92.3 | LA Local News
A report by Next10 and Santa Clara University reveals that data centers in California are expanding into water-stressed regions without disclosing their water usage. This lack of transparency complicates water management and planning, especially for vulnerable communities. New legislative efforts are underway to mandate water use disclosures after a previous bill was vetoed.
A new report from think tank Next10 and Santa Clara University researchers indicates that California's data centers are rapidly expanding into water-stressed areas, including the Central and Imperial Valleys, without transparently disclosing their water consumption. This lack of data hinders effective water resource management and complicates community planning, particularly in regions already grappling with climate change impacts on water supplies.
The report, titled "The Intersection of Data Center Development, Water Availability, and Environmental Justice In California," highlights that data centers frequently avoid public disclosure of their water use due to a fragmented landscape of state, federal, and local policies. Stephanie Leonard, Director of Research at Next10, stressed the difficulty of responsible planning and evaluating community tradeoffs without this crucial information. Iris Stewart-Frey, a hydrologist at Santa Clara University, also noted the cumulative pressure these water-intensive facilities place on regional water supplies.
Despite efforts to increase transparency, a bill requiring data centers to report water usage was vetoed last year by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who cited concerns about business impact. However, new legislative initiatives are being introduced to mandate more comprehensive reporting and potentially restrict development in critically overdrafted basins without state approval. Researchers conclude that while data centers are vital, their growth must be paired with greater transparency and integrated planning to ensure sustainable water management, as stated by Irina Raicu, Director of the Internet Ethics Program at Santa Clara University, who emphasized the tangible impacts of AI infrastructure.