Amazon seeks water permit for King George County data center amid local opposition
Amazon has applied to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for a permit to draw 6.4 million gallons of groundwater annually for a proposed data center campus in King George County. This request faces strong opposition from local county officials and a state senator, who point out that the county itself was denied a smaller water increase and is under orders to reduce existing withdrawals from the same aquifer. The county and Amazon are also in court over a rescinded 2023 development agreement.
Amazon has filed an application with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeking a permit to withdraw up to 6.4 million gallons of groundwater annually. The water is intended for a planned data center campus located at a former power plant site in King George County.
The proposal has ignited significant criticism from King George County's water utility and State Sen. Richard Stuart, a Republican representing the area. Critics highlight that the DEQ recently rejected the county's own request for a smaller 3.25 million-gallon increase from the same Potomac aquifer, which was needed to support new housing and a medical facility. County officials are currently under state mandates to reduce their largest well's withdrawals by 33.6 million gallons annually, a restriction that could necessitate an expensive shift to treated Rappahannock River water, estimated to cost $75 million to $100 million.
Senator Stuart labeled Amazon's proposed water allocation as "indefensible" given the county's own water challenges and the potential for increased costs for residents. Amazon has stated the permit is for potable water for employees and irrigation, not data center cooling, and noted that they inherited a prior power-plant allocation for the site. The company also clarified that actual water usage would be significantly lower as they explore alternative sources. The DEQ has confirmed no decision has been made on Amazon's application, adding that public comments will be reviewed. However, department records suggest the request meets technical criteria, despite the proposed well being located near "critical cells" of the depleted aquifer.
Adding to the controversy, King George County and Amazon are currently embroiled in a legal dispute concerning a 2023 development agreement that a subsequent board of supervisors rescinded.