Being the world’s largest data center hub is having a severe impact on local water resources.
Data centers in Northern Virginia are using “absurd amounts of water” to power cooling systems, writes Sachi Kitajima Mulkey in Grist, causing concern among local officials.
The region is the world’s largest data center hub, with over 300 facilities processing almost 70 percent of global digital information, each using as much as 5 million gallons of water per day. And because cooling methods often rely on evaporation, the water does not go back into wastewater systems. “Data centers rank among the top 10 water-consuming industries in the United States, according to a 2021 study from Virginia Tech that looked at their environmental cost. And the next generation of technology will only make these facilities thirstier, as servers that run AI algorithms generate more heat.”
A bill introduced in the Virginia state legislature that would hold companies accountable for their environmental impact failed to pass this year, postponing its Senate vote to 2025.
FULL STORY: The surging demand for data is guzzling Virginia’s water
Can Southwest Utah’s Water Supply Handle its Explosive Growth?
A remote corner of the state is the nation’s fastest-growing metro area, but concerns about water supplies across the Southwest signal an uncertain future.
Arizona Governor Takes Steps to Modernize Water Policy
A newly released report warns of rapidly dwindling groundwater resources as developers plan to build hundreds of thousands of new homes.
Scottsdale Cuts Water Supply to Nearby Suburb
The city claims it has no responsibility to provide water to the unincorporated Maricopa County community.
Progressive Planning in Ideologically Conservative Communities
Planners must work in diverse political environments including conservative jurisdictions that are skeptical of new issues and perspectives. Here are ways to reconcile conflicting goals.
Amtrak Expanding Service in California’s Central Valley
Amtrak is planning a major expansion to the passenger rail lines connecting the Central Valley and the Bay Area.
Robotaxis Wreak Havoc on Urban Transit
In cities across the United States, robotaxis, championed by companies like Waymo and Cruise, are a marvel of modern technology and a flashpoint for debate over their place in urban transit.
How Good Transit Benefits Communities Beyond its Users
Robust, efficient transit networks can have an outsized impact on vehicle miles traveled, even by non-transit users.
Why Renewables Aren’t Going Anywhere
The worldwide transition to renewable energy sources is already underway as climate change creates more significant impacts on the global supply chain and economy.
Opinion: Supporting Electric School Buses is the Right Thing to Do — and Fiscally Conservative
Why switching school bus fleets to electric vehicles is good for students, the environment, and school districts’ finances.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Desert Recreation District
EMC Planning Group Inc.
University of Southern California
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners
Market Building Foundation Inc
Detroit Regional Partnership