Drought Restrictions Put Google Water Use Back in Spotlight at The Dalles City Council
Residents at The Dalles City Council meeting questioned Google's significant water consumption at its data centers amidst city-imposed drought restrictions for residents. A resident highlighted Google's increasing share of city water use and asked about contract provisions for water cuts during emergencies. The city mayor referred the contract question for legal review.
Residents in The Dalles, Oregon, raised concerns at a City Council meeting regarding Google's substantial water usage for its data centers amidst voluntary Level 1 drought restrictions placed on city residents. Longtime resident Widge Johnson highlighted Google's increasing water consumption, claiming it rose from 29% of the city's supply in 2021 to nearly 40% in 2025, and questioned the city's contract with Google regarding potential water cutbacks during emergencies.
Mayor Rich Mays acknowledged the public's concern and stated the city would legally review the contract, noting Google's $28 million investment in local water infrastructure. The City Council also discussed other unrelated business, including shifting lodging tax administration to the Oregon Department of Revenue and approving a 10-year cable television franchise with Spectrum Pacific West LLC. Additionally, the council set legislative priorities for the League of Oregon Cities, adding concerns about the potential disposal of Portland Harbor Superfund cleanup material in Wasco County.