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Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Not just electricity — water supplies will be taxed by data centers
Construction continues on the sprawling Rosemount Data Center on land bought by Meta near Dakota County Technical College, shown Thursday, May 29, 2025. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) Americans are becoming well acquainted with data centers' use of electricity via their utility bills, but the power-hungry warehouses that fuel our insatiable appetite for memes, movies, pics and posts is thirsty for an even more important resource: water. One large-scale data center can consume as much water as 12,000 households, according to the the Alliance for the Great Lakes. 'We are going to see more water conflicts as the data center sector expands at the same time as we see an expansion of irrigated agriculture into areas that haven't needed it as much,' said Helena Volzer, a water policy manager for Alliance for the Great Lakes, in an interview. A Minnesota Department of Natural Resources order temporarily barring new or expanded irrigation allowances along Little Rock Creek portends broader conflicts over groundwater use across the Great Lakes region, the Alliance said in a report released Wednesday. The DNR's April 2024 order found 'substantial evidence' that agricultural irrigation and other authorized uses harmed the Mississippi River tributary, which runs along the boundary of Benton and Morrison counties in central Minnesota. Elsewhere in the region, proposed mines, factories and data centers threaten to deplete the underground aquifers that supply up to 40% of the Great Lakes' volume — and drinking water reserves for nearly three-quarters of Minnesotans. Climate change, the artificial intelligence race, and pressure to mine and manufacture more on U.S. soil mean 'we are seeing a convergence of increasing water demand from different sources,' said Volzer, who spent a year compiling the report. Data centers with evaporative cooling systems, in particular, can consume vast amounts of water. Though most of Minnesota lies outside the Great Lakes basin, Volzer said the concerns raised in the report apply to other major watersheds, too. Minnesota statute allows the DNR to limit groundwater appropriations in designated groundwater management areas. But it can only take that step after determining that groundwater draws hurt nearby surface waters, as it did last year in the Little Rock Creek case, or when 'there are competing demands among existing and proposed users which exceed the reasonably available waters,' Volzer said in the report. That restricts the DNR to act only in situations where actual or proposed water withdrawals clearly impact people and businesses. In her report, Volzer advised Minnesota lawmakers to expand the state's groundwater protection law to let the DNR intervene when water appropriations are 'likely' to impact surface or groundwater reserves. State legislators passed a series of water protection laws earlier this decade after a Lakeville-based rail company proposed shipping 500 million gallons of Dakota County groundwater each year to the U.S. Southwest, said state Rep. Rick Hansen, DFL-South St. Paul. (The DNR shot down that proposal.) Proactive measures will help states like Minnesota get ahead of a fast-growing IT industry whose environmental impacts remain unclear, Volzer said. In her report, Volzer advised states to fund studies of expected water demand and groundwater resources, while expanding water use reporting requirements. That could give state and local authorities more insight into where large IT facilities could be located without unduly stressing aquifers, she told the Reformer. The ag industry's political sway could complicate further legislation to manage Minnesota's groundwater, Hansen said. 'Big Ag makes water law changes hard because some legislators are susceptible to 'cropaganda,'' he said. Thirsty data centers have already caused political backlash in Georgia, where residents on private wells near Atlanta say a new Meta facility has rendered their water 'undrinkable.' Meta is spending $800 million to build another data center in Rosemount, southeast of the Twin Cities. The city says that facility could draw 100,000 gallons of groundwater per day at peak capacity, or one Olympic swimming pool every six days, the Star Tribune reported in April. Data centers proposed for Chaska and Farmington could use 15 and 24 times more than Meta's Rosemount hub, the Strib reported, though Chaska's water manager assured the paper that the city can handle the added demand. 'We don't have a good sense of the water footprint of a data center right now,' Volzer said. That's due to the fact that data center developers require city officials to sign nondisclosure agreements before moving forward, she said, and because data center designs vary widely and continue to evolve. Newer designs favor closed-loop or waterless liquid cooling systems that are more economical than evaporative water cooling. The catch, Volzer said, is that those systems may require more electricity to run pumps, fans and heat exchangers, increasing demand on nearby thermal power plants fueled by coal, gas or uranium. Those plants themselves need huge amounts of cooling water, setting up a 'shell game' where data centers shift water usage beyond their sphere of influence. (Wind turbines and solar panels use little or no water in their operations.) 'There is a nexus between water and energy. You can't silo them,' Volzer said. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Will massive water needs of data centers, farms, mines be too much for the Great Lakes?
While the Great Lakes may seem to offer an endless supply of water, the balance is actually quite delicate. Each year, only 1% percent of the water in the Great Lakes is replenished by rain, snow and groundwater. Now, a new report from the Alliance for the Great Lakes shows that this delicate balance may be at risk because of rising demand from industries that use tremendous amounts of water, like data centers, mineral mining, and agriculture, all of which put pressure on groundwater resources. Further, the increased water demand is happening just as climate change is making it more difficult to manage and plan water use, because precipitation no longer follows historical trends. That's something Milwaukeeans saw firsthand earlier this month during the 1,000-year flood event. Tax incentives from many of the eight Great Lakes states have lured industries that need water, like data centers, to the region. Further, any industry that needs access to that much water has to come, because the Great Lakes Compact ensures that large-scale, long-range diversions of water outside the basin won't happen. But, the report warns that the region is ill-prepared for the overwhelming needs on the horizon. No one has prepared, for example, for summer days when parched fields need to be irrigated and sprawling data centers need to be cooled. According to Helena Volzer, senior source water policy manager and author of the report, the eight states already have a foundation in place to work together and need to be actively preparing for emerging water risks, Volzer said. Here are six takeaways from the report. Great Lakes Compact protects water access. But that doesn't mean thirsty neighbors won't challenge it. Groundwater overuse can cause cities to sink Between 20% to 40% of the Great Lakes' water budget − the total groundwater flowing in and out of the system − starts as groundwater, and between 40% and 75% of residents of the eight states usse it as drinking water. Pumping too much water out for residential and business use can lead to aquifers not being able to replenish. This can lower water tables, leading to deeper drilling to get even more water, which in turn results in higher costs. It also risks drawing contaminants into aquifers. Unsustainable use can cause cities to sink because the ground becomes more compact. The report notes Chicago, Columbus, Indianapolis and Detroit sink more each year. Over time, this threatens drinking water supplies and infrastructure. Consumptive water use has declined, for now Some lake water never returns; it can evaporate or be used in a product that leaves. This is known as consumptive use. Consumptive water use has declined since 2015, thanks largely to increased efficiency and conservation efforts, including the shutdown of coal-fired power plants that once consumed vast amounts of water for cooling. According to the report, much of this progress could get erased due to the Trump administration's efforts to revitalize coal plants. Data centers use water, most of which isn't tracked Massive data centers, like the ones that power generative AI, can use more than 365 million gallons of water each year, about as much as 12,000 Americans in that time. Over the next five years, these data centers are expected to withdraw up to 150 billion gallons of water — the same amount used by around 4.6 million U.S. households. Many Great Lakes states lead the nation in number of data centers. Here are their numbers of July 2025, according to the report: Minnesota: 60 Wisconsin: 43 Michigan: 53 Illinois: 224 Indianapolis: 70 Ohio: 185 Pennsylvania: 88 New York: 143 The report contends that data center owners are not transparent about their water footprint, and there is no requirement to make them. According to the report, fewer than one-third track water usage. At the same time, states and local governments are offering tax breaks and incentives to attract data centers. All eight Great Lakes states have passed measures in the last 20 years to support the push for these businesses. For instance, in Port Washington, Wisconsin, officials are advancing with plans for a proposed 3.5-gigawatt, 1,900-acre data center campus that could be one of the largest in the country. More: Microsoft data center will be the state's largest electricity user. Power needs equal 300,000 homes More: Port Washington residents near proposed data center warn of climate, environmental and technology risks Mineral mining risks contaminating groundwater The demand for critical minerals, like lithium, cobalt, copper and nickel is growing due to the transition towards cleaner technologies, which use them. The Great Lakes region is known to have reserves of critical minerals. Recently, mines have been proposed near Lake Superior, an area known to contain reserves of nickel, copper and cobalt. However, such mining requires large volumes of water to separate minerals, cool machinery and control dust. It also risks contaminating surface and drinking water, even after mines close. More: Final permits aren't yet issued for Lake Superior copper mine. But opponents fear it's all but locked in. More: Water quality issues challenge what it means to 'leave no trace' in beloved Boundary Waters Dry, hot summers changing irrigation needs Due to increasingly hot and dry summers, irrigation is now being adopted in agricultural areas where it was previously uncommon, such as northwest Ohio and parts of Wisconsin, the report said. With peak demand in summer months − when data centers also require the most cooling − demands for tremendous water volumes may converge, Volzer explained. A need for transparency, regional planning Increased demand for water, regardless of who is using it, underscores the need for policy changes that prioritize transparency, regional planning and investment in groundwater mapping, Volzer said. According to the report, transparency around water usage can help stakeholders make informed decision and avoid mismanagement. Regional planning can make sure resources are managed sustainably across industries. Funding groundwater mapping will help stakeholders understand how much groundwater there is and plan for future use. Volzer emphasized the need for creative strategies, such as thinking about ways non-potable water can be reused, to ease pressure on limited supplies from the Great Lakes. How could Chicago sell Lake Michigan water to Joliet, 35 miles away? Five questions answered. After decades-long journey, Waukesha hits one-year anniversary tapping into Lake Michigan Caitlin Looby covers the Great Lakes and the environment for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Reach her at clooby@ and follow her on X @caitlooby. Caitlin's work is supported by the Brico Fund, Fund for Lake Michigan, Barbara K. Frank, and individual contributions. Grants and donations help make this reporting possible. The Journal Sentinel maintains full editorial control. To learn more about our community-funded journalism initiatives, or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit Checks can be addressed to Local Media Foundation with 'JS Environment' in the memo, then mailed to: Local Media Foundation, P.O. Box 85015, Chicago, IL 60689. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Data centers, irrigation, mining imperil Great Lakes, report says Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Will massive water needs of data centers, farms, mines be too much for the Great Lakes?
While the Great Lakes may seem to offer an endless supply of water, the balance is actually quite delicate. Each year, only 1% percent of the water in the Great Lakes is replenished by rain, snow and groundwater. Now, a new report from the Alliance for the Great Lakes shows that this delicate balance may be at risk because of rising demand from industries that use tremendous amounts of water, like data centers, mineral mining, and agriculture, all of which put pressure on groundwater resources. Further, the increased water demand is happening just as climate change is making it more difficult to manage and plan water use, because precipitation no longer follows historical trends. That's something Milwaukeeans saw firsthand earlier this month during the 1,000-year flood event. Tax incentives from many of the eight Great Lakes states have lured industries that need water, like data centers, to the region. Further, any industry that needs access to that much water has to come, because the Great Lakes Compact ensures that large-scale, long-range diversions of water outside the basin won't happen. But, the report warns that the region is ill-prepared for the overwhelming needs on the horizon. No one has prepared, for example, for summer days when parched fields need to be irrigated and sprawling data centers need to be cooled. According to Helena Volzer, senior source water policy manager and author of the report, the eight states already have a foundation in place to work together and need to be actively preparing for emerging water risks, Volzer said. Here are six takeaways from the report. Great Lakes Compact protects water access. But that doesn't mean thirsty neighbors won't challenge it. Groundwater overuse can cause cities to sink Between 20% to 40% of the Great Lakes' water budget − the total groundwater flowing in and out of the system − starts as groundwater, and between 40% and 75% of residents of the eight states usse it as drinking water. Pumping too much water out for residential and business use can lead to aquifers not being able to replenish. This can lower water tables, leading to deeper drilling to get even more water, which in turn results in higher costs. It also risks drawing contaminants into aquifers. Unsustainable use can cause cities to sink because the ground becomes more compact. The report notes Chicago, Columbus, Indianapolis and Detroit sink more each year. Over time, this threatens drinking water supplies and infrastructure. Consumptive water use has declined, for now Some lake water never returns; it can evaporate or be used in a product that leaves. This is known as consumptive use. Consumptive water use has declined since 2015, thanks largely to increased efficiency and conservation efforts, including the shutdown of coal-fired power plants that once consumed vast amounts of water for cooling. According to the report, much of this progress could get erased due to the Trump administration's efforts to revitalize coal plants. Data centers use water, most of which isn't tracked Massive data centers, like the ones that power generative AI, can use more than 365 million gallons of water each year, about as much as 12,000 Americans in that time. Over the next five years, these data centers are expected to withdraw up to 150 billion gallons of water — the same amount used by around 4.6 million U.S. households. Many Great Lakes states lead the nation in number of data centers. Here are their numbers of July 2025, according to the report: Minnesota: 60 Wisconsin: 43 Michigan: 53 Illinois: 224 Indianapolis: 70 Ohio: 185 Pennsylvania: 88 New York: 143 The report contends that data center owners are not transparent about their water footprint, and there is no requirement to make them. According to the report, fewer than one-third track water usage. At the same time, states and local governments are offering tax breaks and incentives to attract data centers. All eight Great Lakes states have passed measures in the last 20 years to support the push for these businesses. For instance, in Port Washington, Wisconsin, officials are advancing with plans for a proposed 3.5-gigawatt, 1,900-acre data center campus that could be one of the largest in the country. More: Microsoft data center will be the state's largest electricity user. Power needs equal 300,000 homes More: Port Washington residents near proposed data center warn of climate, environmental and technology risks Mineral mining risks contaminating groundwater The demand for critical minerals, like lithium, cobalt, copper and nickel is growing due to the transition towards cleaner technologies, which use them. The Great Lakes region is known to have reserves of critical minerals. Recently, mines have been proposed near Lake Superior, an area known to contain reserves of nickel, copper and cobalt. However, such mining requires large volumes of water to separate minerals, cool machinery and control dust. It also risks contaminating surface and drinking water, even after mines close. More: Final permits aren't yet issued for Lake Superior copper mine. But opponents fear it's all but locked in. More: Water quality issues challenge what it means to 'leave no trace' in beloved Boundary Waters Dry, hot summers changing irrigation needs Due to increasingly hot and dry summers, irrigation is now being adopted in agricultural areas where it was previously uncommon, such as northwest Ohio and parts of Wisconsin, the report said. With peak demand in summer months − when data centers also require the most cooling − demands for tremendous water volumes may converge, Volzer explained. A need for transparency, regional planning Increased demand for water, regardless of who is using it, underscores the need for policy changes that prioritize transparency, regional planning and investment in groundwater mapping, Volzer said. According to the report, transparency around water usage can help stakeholders make informed decision and avoid mismanagement. Regional planning can make sure resources are managed sustainably across industries. Funding groundwater mapping will help stakeholders understand how much groundwater there is and plan for future use. Volzer emphasized the need for creative strategies, such as thinking about ways non-potable water can be reused, to ease pressure on limited supplies from the Great Lakes. How could Chicago sell Lake Michigan water to Joliet, 35 miles away? Five questions answered. After decades-long journey, Waukesha hits one-year anniversary tapping into Lake Michigan Caitlin Looby covers the Great Lakes and the environment for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Reach her at clooby@ and follow her on X @caitlooby. Caitlin's work is supported by the Brico Fund, Fund for Lake Michigan, Barbara K. Frank, and individual contributions. Grants and donations help make this reporting possible. The Journal Sentinel maintains full editorial control. To learn more about our community-funded journalism initiatives, or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit Checks can be addressed to Local Media Foundation with 'JS Environment' in the memo, then mailed to: Local Media Foundation, P.O. Box 85015, Chicago, IL 60689. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Data centers, irrigation, mining imperil Great Lakes, report says Solve the daily Crossword
