By H2O Water Network
We’re hearing more and more about data centers. For many of us across the Upper Ohio River Basin and beyond, data centers are being proposed in or near our communities. If you’re wondering what they are and whether you should be concerned, you’re not alone — and you’re asking the right questions.
What Is a Data Center?
In simple terms, a data center is a large facility that houses computer servers — the physical hardware that powers everything from cloud storage and streaming services to artificial intelligence. These facilities run around the clock and generate enormous amounts of heat, which means they need massive amounts of energy to operate and water to cool their systems.
As the demand for AI and cloud computing has exploded, so has the demand for new data center construction. And many of these facilities are being proposed in rural areas where land is cheap, energy is available, and local governments are eager for economic development.
That sounds like a win. But there’s a catch.
The Water Problem
Sarah Bucci of The Water Hub puts it bluntly: “Technology, water, and energy are on a collision course.”
From Michigan, Oregon, Mississippi, and Arizona to communities across Appalachia, the growth of data centers — and the growing local opposition to them — is one of the top stories to watch in 2026.
The water concerns are real and wide-ranging. Data centers can contribute to groundwater depletion and competition for scarce water resources. They raise questions about potential contamination and the strain on local water and power supplies. And too often, there’s a lack of transparency and oversight on the part of big tech companies proposing these projects.
Perhaps most telling: opposition to data centers doesn’t fit neatly into a “left vs. right” story. Concerns are bipartisan, particularly in rural communities where residents are asking hard questions about who benefits and who bears the cost.
What’s Happening in Our Region
This issue hits close to home. Across West Virginia, communities have been pushing back on proposed data center projects, raising questions about water withdrawals, diesel fuel storage, and the overall impact on watersheds and drinking water sources. Dr. Than Hitt, Senior Scientist with the WV Rivers Coalition, has been working directly with communities facing these proposals, providing scientific analysis of the water impacts and helping residents understand what’s at stake.
Recently, Dr. Hitt presented on the pros and cons of data centers at the West Virginia Watershed Network’s Virtual Social Hour. The presentation is a valuable resource for anyone wanting to understand how data centers intersect with water issues, particularly in Appalachian communities.
Watch the recording of Dr. Than Hitt’s presentation: [LINK TO RECORDING]
Why This Matters for Water Organizations
If your community is facing a data center proposal — or might in the future — understanding the water implications is critical. These are the kinds of questions worth asking: How much water will the facility use? Where will it come from? What happens to downstream users? Who monitors and enforces the limits? What’s the backup plan during drought or low-flow periods?
The H2O Water Network is keeping a close eye on this issue as it develops across our region. We believe that informed communities make better decisions, and that water should always be part of the conversation when large-scale development is on the table.
Stay Informed
Visit the H2O Water Network at h2owaternetwork.org for more resources, partner updates, and upcoming events. If you have questions or want to share how data center proposals are affecting your community, reach out to us at john@h2owaternetwork.org.
