Data Centers and Water: Five Questions Lincoln County Still Needs Answered

Lincoln County commissioners are preparing to revisit a proposed temporary moratorium on data center development amidst ongoing public discussion centered on water consumption. Residents have expressed significant concerns about the potential impact of data centers on the Ogallala Aquifer and local water resources, repeatedly asking about the amount of water a facility would use.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy and industry experts, water consumption varies greatly depending on factors such as cooling systems (evaporative vs. closed-loop), facility size, and operational needs. Microsoft, for instance, has stated its newer facilities use alternative cooling methods to reduce water use. However, because no specific data center proposal has been submitted in Lincoln County, details regarding cooling technology or water sources are currently unknown.

Questions also remain about the role of regulatory bodies like the Twin Platte Natural Resources District in reviewing groundwater use and issuing permits. Lincoln County Development Corporation President Gary Person noted that such agencies would be involved in the review process. Commissioners are also discussing how existing regulatory tools, such as conditional use permits, could be used to establish requirements for future projects regarding water use, infrastructure, and other operational issues. The sufficiency of these tools is a central point of debate as some commissioners argue for more information before deciding on a moratorium, while others believe existing processes are adequate.