In Fayette County, Georgia, residents are grappling with the repercussions of living near newly constructed data centers. Beverly Morris, who once relished her retirement years in a serene rural setting, now faces constant challenges due to the proximity of a large data facility owned by Meta. Morris claims that the construction activities have severely impacted her water supply, leading to low pressure and unfit drinking water—issues she attributes to sediment buildup from the site.
“I can't drink the water,” says Morris, detailing how she now relies on buckets for basic hygiene needs, a far cry from the idyllic life she envisioned in her home. While Meta asserts that their operations are not responsible for the local water issues, Morris feels unwelcome in her own neighborhood. “This was my perfect spot, but it isn’t anymore,” she laments.
Across Georgia, as data centers proliferate, the local community's concerns escalate. The state's humid climate makes it a favorable location for cooling servers, yet this growth is not without consequences. Gordon Rogers, director of Flint Riverkeeper, has raised alarms regarding water quality affected by construction practices, leading to murky water conditions in areas surrounding new centers. Despite claims from companies like Quality Technology Services (QTS), which emphasize adherence to environmental standards, local residents often bear the brunt of potential ecological damage.
Nationally, the expansion of data centers is met with activism. The report from Data Center Watch reveals that billions in projects have been delayed or blocked due to local opposition, fueled by concerns over spiraling water consumption for cooling servers. Experts project that AI-driven data centers may consume 1.7 trillion gallons of water globally by the year 2027—sparking a debate over water rights and sustainability.
Companies like Amazon Web Services (AWS) acknowledge this challenge and claim they are implementing sustainability measures, including leak repairs and rainwater harvesting. However, the reality for local citizens like Morris remains bleak, caught in the tension between rapid technological advancements and environmental integrity. “There’s no turning back,” says Prof. Rajiv Garg from Emory University, emphasizing that while these data centers are essential for modern infrastructure, a shift towards smarter, more sustainable practices is crucial for the long-term benefit of communities.
As the digital age continues to expand, the key question looms: How can society support technological progress while safeguarding precious resources such as water? For residents in Georgia, balancing the needs of a booming industry with their quality of life remains a complex and urgent issue.
