QTS data center faces water usage violations in Georgia after previous Iowa infractions

Data center developer QTS is under scrutiny in Fayetteville, Georgia, after a Politico report revealed the company used nearly 30 million gallons of water without initial payment at one of its development sites. Residents in a Fayetteville subdivision noticed low water pressure, leading investigators to discover two water hookups feeding a QTS data center. One connection was installed without the utility's knowledge, and the other was not linked to QTS's account, resulting in approximately $150,000 in unpaid water bills. QTS has since paid the retroactive charges but faced no additional fines, with the county attributing the issue to a "procedural mix-up." The utility company defended its decision, stating QTS is its largest customer and a "partner." This incident is particularly sensitive as Georgia is experiencing a severe to exceptional drought, with residents being urged to conserve water. QTS stated its water usage would decrease after the construction phase, which is expected to last another three to five years. This is not the first regulatory issue for QTS. Last year, Iowa state officials discovered 40 unpermitted wells at the company's data center site in Cedar Rapids, which extends into Fairfax. Although QTS maintains these wells are standard for construction, Linn County sought to fine the company $20,000 for the violations. The Cedar Rapids development represents a potential $10 billion investment for QTS.