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Forum Summary: Data Centers and Water Use

A November 13 forum Minnesota Women's Press is moderating will be focused on the impact of data centers on Minnesota water.

DATA CENTER SERIES: The Impact on Minnesota Waters

Residents worry that the data center will overshadow their own water needs, especially in the summer months. Tract developers convinced city officials to let data centers use municipal water supplies — despite the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ statutes governing water use — meaning that center water demands will be prioritized alongside domestic use.

DEEP DIVE: The Farmington Push for Responsible Hyper-Scale Data Centers

At a recent public meeting hosted by the Minnesota Women’s Press, about 50 residents, legislators, and advocates invited by the Coalition for Responsible Data Centers gathered to discuss the rapid growth of hyper-scale data centers. The conversation centered on a proposed facility in Farmington — a project that could use as much as 2.93 million gallons of water per day — as well as implications statewide for taxpayers and neighborhoods if corporate needs are not regulated.

EXPLAINER: What Minnesotans should learn about data centers

Farmington residents in lawsuit against city for approving large data center without transparency and community input.

COMMENTARY: Why are local energy consumers subsidizing data centers?

The truth is, these data centers will create very few permanent jobs, but will create staggering costs for electricity ratepayers and everyone else across our state.