A recent study in Virginia has raised concerns regarding groundwater availability for new data centers, particularly in areas east of Interstate 95. According to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), no location in the US Coastal Plain can support substantial new groundwater withdrawals under the current permitting standards. This finding could significantly impact the development of new, water-intensive data centers in the region.
The 144-page report commissioned by the General Assembly evaluated whether a hypothetical facility could withdraw three million gallons of groundwater daily. The results were startling—in none of the assessed regions was this level of withdrawal feasible. The DEQ reported varying maximum sustainable withdrawal rates across regions, ranging from 360,000 gallons per day in Northumberland County to less than 30,000 gallons per day in areas close to the I-95 corridor, where critical infrastructure for data center growth exists.
With existing data centers concentrated in this economically vital corridor, water availability will be a pivotal factor in their expansion. DEQ spokesperson Irina Calos pointed out that the report illustrates the insufficient groundwater levels for large industrial water use, and any development might need to rely on municipal or alternative water supplies.
These findings could potentially revolutionize how developers assess water availability, cooling methods, and site selection for future AI campuses. The DEQ’s models indicated that every large-scale water withdrawal attempt failed under state assessment criteria, with only one region, the eastern Northern Neck, approaching an adequate withdrawal rate.
The situation is exacerbated by a significant long-term decline in groundwater levels. The study notes that after a decade of recovery following the closure of a local paper mill, groundwater levels have stabilized and are now likely to decline again in the near future if current consumption patterns continue. This decline, which will also affect residential needs as populations grow, poses additional challenges for maintaining vital water resources.
Experts suggest that the implications of the report could narrow options for data center developers, specifically regarding the use of on-site groundwater wells. This shifts the focus toward municipal water as a primary source. Alex de Vries-Gao, a researcher in environmental studies, explained that operators might find it difficult to establish their groundwater supplies, indicating a move toward municipal reliance.
There’s also a broader narrative around water consumption and energy use. Reducing data center water consumption isn’t just about changing cooling systems; it must also take into account the water used in electricity generation. The need for data centers to balance water and energy use will become increasingly vital as they aim to meet operational demands without compromising resource availability.
In summary, Virginia’s groundwater study underscores critical challenges that could reshape the future of data center development, forcing stakeholders to consider water and power management in their strategic planning.
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