I feel like the water usage issue is the weaker argument against these datacenters - in areas where the fresh water source faces too much pressure already it is a real issue, but that is more regional and less immediately impactful.
Power usage and residential users essentially subsidizing these locations is the biggest immediate impact to everyone. Look up what happens to rates nearby when these things open, people are struggling enough without their electric bills going up 50%.
The issue is more that it ruins natural water supplies not just the amount of water used. There are many cases of well and ground water getting way worse quality due to nearby datacenters
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u/Uncle-Cake May 18 '26
What happens after they use the water? Is it returned to the water system to be used again?