Editorial: Transparency, rules needed to manage data center water use
An editorial from the Daily Press highlights the significant and growing water consumption by data centers in Virginia, particularly in Loudoun County, which totals over 2 billion gallons annually. It raises concerns about the lack of adequate testing for chemicals like PFAS in discharged wastewater and the sustainability of current water usage trends. While new state laws require data collection on water usage, the editorial argues for stronger regulations and reporting standards to prevent a potential public health and resource crisis.
The Daily Press editorial underscores the underexamined issue of water consumption and wastewater discharge by data centers in Virginia, particularly in Loudoun County, where construction has been continuous since 2014. Data centers in the state use at least 2.1 billion gallons of water annually, with two-thirds drawn from drinking water supplies. A major concern is the lack of specific testing for harmful chemicals, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in the discharged wastewater, which some residents fear could exacerbate existing pollution.
While the Virginia General Assembly enacted laws this year requiring regional and local water authorities to gather data on data center water usage and developers to submit these details in new construction applications, the editorial deems these measures insufficient. The article cites a 2023 report by the Joint Legislature Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) which found current demand manageable, but an interstate water commission projects data center water usage in the Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. area could triple to 25% by 2035, raising sustainability alarms.
Jonathan Kalmuss-Katz from EarthJustice voiced concerns about the industry's use of potentially toxic chemicals, including PFAS, and criticized the