While Citizens Saved Water, a Mega Data Center Consumed Millions Without Oversight

In the midst of a phase of increasing attention to the energy and environmental impact of data centers dedicated to artificial intelligence, a case that emerged in Fayette County, Georgia, is fueling new controversies regarding resource consumption by large digital infrastructures.

According to Politico, the data center campus developed by QTS - a company controlled by the Blackstone Group - reportedly used about 29 million gallons of water through two unregistered connections with local authorities. This consumption continued for several months before it was detected, while the county was urging residents to limit lawn irrigation due to reduced water pressure.

The project, internally known as "Project Excalibur," represents one of the largest data center complexes under construction in the United States. The Fayetteville campus currently includes 13 buildings, with the potential to expand to 16 structures at full operation. The investment expected from QTS could reach one billion dollars.

The company explained that water was primarily used during temporary construction activities, including concrete pouring, dust control, and site preparation. QTS also claims that once the campus is completed, the cooling systems will use a "closed-loop" architecture, meaning a closed circuit that recycles the same water without requiring continuous extractions from the municipal supply. Under normal operating conditions, the water would then mostly be used for internal services such as restrooms and kitchens.

However, the fact remains that the unmonitored consumption went unnoticed for a long period of time. According to Vanessa Tigert, the director of the county's water system, the issue was caused by a procedural error during the migration to a new cloud system for meter management. The director also acknowledged staff shortages in the competent office, explaining that only one employee is concurrently responsible for inspections and project reviews.

The duration of unrecorded usage is also a topic of discussion. Local authorities report it lasted about four months, while QTS claims the period may have been between nine and fifteen months.

The county has nonetheless requested approximately $147,000 from the company for unregistered consumption but chose not to impose any additional economic sanctions. This decision is motivated by the group's strategic role in the area: according to Tigert, QTS represents "the largest customer" of the county and the relationship must be managed as a partnership.

The case also emerges in a particularly delicate context for Georgia. The state hosts over 200 facilities dedicated to data centers and is grappling with moderate to severe drought conditions. In recent weeks, Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for wildfires, while the Georgia Public Service Commission decided to freeze Georgia Power's base rates until 2028 to prevent the increase in energy demand from data centers from translating into additional costs for citizens.

The QTS campus continues to be considered economically strategic. According to estimates released by the city, the complex could generate between $150 and $200 million annually in tax revenues related to property taxes. However, the case highlights once again the growing conflict between the development of AI infrastructure, the availability of water resources, and the balance of local energy networks.