Potential Dubuque data center could require 3 million gallons of water, city seeks public input
A potential data center in Dubuque, Iowa, proposed by a Florida-based real estate company, could require millions of gallons of water, sparking concerns among residents. Dubuque County has an active moratorium, and both city and county officials are developing new data center ordinances while seeking public input on the matter.
KCRG-TV9 reports on a potential data center project in Dubuque, Iowa, that has raised concerns among local residents and officials regarding water and power consumption. A Florida-based real estate company has contacted the City of Dubuque to discuss connecting a possible data center to the city's water and sanitary sewer systems, a move that would require City Council approval.
Public records obtained by KCRG-TV9 indicate that the proposed data center, located east of the Dubuque Regional Airport, would need up to 3 million gallons of water for its initial closed-loop cooling system charge and an additional 250,000 gallons annually for maintenance. Dubuque native Tim Connolly voiced public apprehension, calling the idea of a facility consuming "millions of gallons of water" a "bad idea" and expressing worry about the long-term impact on the community's resources.
Currently, Dubuque County has an enacted 12-month moratorium on data center development. Both the city and county are actively developing new data center ordinances to regulate future projects. The City of Dubuque is seeking public input on these proposed ordinances through an online survey. A street survey conducted by KCRG-TV9 revealed that local residents were overwhelmingly against data center development.