Wonder how the drought will impact the proposed new AI data centers? These things need a ton of water to cool. Probably raising residential water/electric cost....pissed off people incoming.
Data center development in Montgomery County, PA, is sparking major public debate due to massive water and electricity demands, particularly for new AI infrastructure. [1, 2, 3]
Major Proposals and Water Demands:
Limerick Township: The proposed "Project Laurel" aims to build 2.8 million square feet of data center space near the Limerick nuclear plant. It is projected to consume at least 750,000 gallons of water per day for cooling—surpassing the capacity of an Olympic-sized swimming pool. [1, 2]
Upper Merion Township: Eight projects backed by MLP Ventures have been proposed across King of Prussia, spanning 4 million square feet. Residents and local groups are strongly pushing back over fears of water pollution, extreme utility usage, and proximity to residential zones. [1, 2]