Arizona Data Centers Face Strict 100-Year Water Supply Rules
Arizona has 100 to 115 data centers. New projects must prove they have water for the next century.
Key points
- Arizona has 100 to 115 operating data centers and 86 planned projects.
- New data centers must secure a 100-year water supply commitment.
- Modern cooling technology uses significantly less water than older designs.
Arizona officials are debating if the state has enough water for new data centers. This debate is happening as the state faces ongoing drought conditions.
Some cities have paused new tech projects to protect local resources. Experts say the final decision depends on where the site is located and how it is built.
New tech reduces water needs
Old data centers used massive amounts of water to cool servers. Modern designs use less water because they run at higher temperatures.
Sarah Porter of Arizona State University notes that usage varies by design. Many facilities now use cooling methods that save significant amounts of water.
Strict rules for new builds
Developers must follow strict local water rules before breaking ground. They must prove they have a water supply that lasts 100 years.
These rules ensure that new buildings do not deplete water meant for residents. The state currently has 100 to 115 operating data centers.
About 86 more projects are planned or under construction. AZ Family reports that this expansion is happening despite a shrinking Colorado River.
Balancing growth with conservation
Porter believes data centers will not break the state's water supply. This is true if local oversight and conservation planning remain strong.
The trade-off is clear: economic growth must not come at the cost of local water security. Residents are watching these decisions closely as the state grows.
