Are data centers affecting local water levels? | 2 Wants to Know
Greensboro has begun voluntary water conservation measures because of drought conditions, prompting questions about whether local data centers are affecting water supplies. The mayor says the city’s existing data centers are too small to significantly contribute to demand, while Greensboro and Guilford County officials prepare to discuss data center development at upcoming work sessions.
Greensboro implemented Stage 1 voluntary water conservation measures amid continuing drought conditions, with similar restrictions taking effect in Reidsville. Residents questioned whether data centers were contributing to pressure on the region’s water supply.
Greensboro’s mayor said the city does not have a data center large enough to materially affect water demand. The city uses about 36 million gallons of water per day and receives roughly 12 million gallons through regional interconnections, which officials say help maintain system resilience during dry periods. Greensboro City Council and Guilford County commissioners are scheduled to hold work sessions on data centers, although city officials said no developers have formally expressed interest in locating there.