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Voters rejected AI data centers over resource concerns. Here’s why measuring water usage is hard
Voters backed 40 of 41 ballot measures this week that would restrict data centres, reflecting concerns about their demands on local water and electricity supplies. But it is difficult to establish how much water an individual site uses because operators often publish company-wide figures rather than site-level data.
Large, 1-gigawatt AI data centres can use up to 10 million gallons of water a day, though consumption depends on their equipment, location and cooling systems. Liquid cooling inside server racks can recirculate water, but operators may still need water outside the building to release heat. Meta says its planned Indiana centre could be allocated up to 8 million gallons a day by 2031, mostly on a few of the hottest days; Equinix reported 1.2 billion gallons of water use across its operations in 2025, 10% more than the previous year.
In short
- Voters approved 40 of 41 proposed data-centre restrictions.
- AI data centres’ water use varies by site and cooling needs.
- Meta’s Indiana site could reach 8 million gallons a day on peak days.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of restrictions argue that communities should have a say when data centres may place substantial demands on local water and electricity, especially where supplies are already strained. Because operators often disclose only company-wide water figures, limits or stronger reporting rules could protect local resources and help residents assess proposed projects. They may also see caution as justified when a large facility’s peak demand could reach millions of gallons a day.
The case against
Opponents argue that broad restrictions may turn away investment and useful digital infrastructure without reliably addressing local resource pressures. Water use varies with climate, cooling technology and operating conditions, and some facilities recirculate water, so a blanket limit may penalise projects that manage resources responsibly. They may favour site-specific disclosure and decisions based on actual local conditions over restrictions driven by headline peak-use estimates.
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