California AI Data Center Seeks Colorado River Water After Earlier Claims It Wouldn't Need It
A proposed AI data center in California's Imperial Valley, developed by Imperial Valley Computer Manufacturing (IVCM), is facing scrutiny after it sought 260 million gallons of Colorado River water annually, despite earlier promises to use only recycled wastewater. This move has prompted the Imperial County Board of Supervisors to consider a moratorium on new data center development, while the Imperial Irrigation District reviews new regulations on large industrial water users. IVCM is also asking a court to force the Imperial Irrigation District to provide the water.
A proposed artificial intelligence data center in Southern California's Imperial Valley, developed by Imperial Valley Computer Manufacturing (IVCM), is facing intense scrutiny after it sought access to 260 million gallons of Colorado River water annually. This request contradicts earlier assurances from developer Sebastian Rucci that the facility would rely solely on recycled wastewater from nearby communities.
Court filings indicate IVCM was unable to secure agreements for recycled water supplies, leading them to ask a court to compel the Imperial Irrigation District to provide water. This dispute highlights growing concerns over water consumption by data centers, especially in drought-stricken regions like the Southwest. The Imperial County Board of Supervisors is now considering a temporary pause on new data center development, and the Imperial Irrigation District is reviewing policies for new rates or regulations on large industrial water users. Developers for the project argue the water use could be offset by taking agricultural land out of production.