Botetourt County debate continues over Google data center water use
A proposed Google data center in Botetourt County, Virginia, is facing growing debate over its long-term water usage. A Botetourt County Planning Commissioner has raised concerns about the project's potential impact on the Roanoke Valley's water supply during droughts. The Western Virginia Water Authority disputes his calculations, and an upcoming open house will allow residents to provide input.
Debate continues to grow in Botetourt County, Virginia, over a proposed Google A.I. data center, with long-term water use remaining a central concern. Botetourt County Planning Commissioner Mark Tyson conducted his own analysis, detailed in a 14-page water assessment, which suggests the data center could deplete the region's reservoirs, specifically Carvins Cove, to critical levels during a drought if it withdraws as much as 8 million gallons of water daily. Tyson described such an outcome as "suicide" for the Roanoke Valley's water supply.
Tyson attempted to discuss his findings with the Western Virginia Water Authority, offering to publicly rescind his white paper if his calculations were incorrect. However, he received no response regarding a meeting. Sarah Baumgardner with the Western Virginia Water Authority clarified that they have not discredited Tyson's assessment, nor have they read it in depth, but are open to meeting with him. Baumgardner stated that Google is currently permitted to withdraw 2 million gallons of water daily, not 8 million, and noted that one of Google's new buildings will be air-cooled, significantly reducing water demand.
The Western Virginia Water Authority will host an open house on August 25th from 4 PM to provide information and engage in dialogue with families in Botetourt County regarding the data center and its water usage, aiming to address public concerns with facts.