Data centres are increasingly affecting the lives of residents in rural Georgia, with Beverly Morris highlighting severe water quality issues linked to nearby construction. As technology grows, local communities grapple with the environmental costs of digital infrastructure, prompting calls for better sustainability practices.
"The Cost of Progress: Residents Struggle with Water Issues Near Data Centres"
"The Cost of Progress: Residents Struggle with Water Issues Near Data Centres"
In Fayette County, Georgia, residents like Beverly Morris face water quality issues as data centres thrive nearby, raising concerns about sustainability and living conditions.
In Fayette County, Georgia, the peaceful life that Beverly Morris envisioned during her retirement has turned into a nightmare amid the rapid growth of data centres in the area. Just a few hundred yards from her home lies a large facility owned by Meta, the parent company of Facebook. While these data centres are essential for modern digital functions, they bring unintended consequences for nearby residents.
Morris, who has dealt with declining water quality since the construction of the data centre, now finds herself unable to drink from her tap. The retirement dream she had, surrounded by nature, has been overshadowed by concerns of polluted water and disrupted plumbing. "I can't live in my home with half of my home functioning and no water," she states, struggling to cope with the necessity of hauling in water to flush her toilet.
Meta has claimed that their data operations do not negatively affect groundwater in the area, asserting their commitment to being good neighbours. Nonetheless, Morris feels the damage has already been done, stating, "This was my perfect spot. But it isn't anymore."
The rise of data centres is a growing global trend. With over 10,000 facilities operating worldwide, the issue of water consumption is becoming critical. Georgia's humid climate makes it an attractive location for developers, but the rapid projects are generating a wave of local activism against mounting environmental concerns. According to Data Center Watch, $64 billion in projects have faced delays or blockades across the U.S. due to community complaints.
Water usage is one of the primary issues surrounding data centres. Keeping servers cool requires vast amounts of water, sometimes using millions of gallons daily. The growing demand for AI technology further exacerbates water consumption challenges, with estimates suggesting AI-driven data centres could consume up to 1.7 trillion gallons globally by 2027.
Local advocacy groups, such as Flint Riverkeeper, are monitoring the health of Georgia's waterways, raising alarms over sediment runoff and potential toxic chemical use during construction of data centres. Despite claims of compliance with environmental standards by companies like Quality Technology Services, community members argue they are left to manage the fallout.
Major tech firms contend they are addressing water challenges through improved practices aimed at sustainability and restoration. Amazon Web Services has outlined plans to restore water resources by 2030, employing systems such as rainwater harvesting and leak repairs.
While these corporate commitments to sustainability indicate a positive shift, many residents like Morris are left grappling with the reality of their situation. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, striking a balance between technological advancement and environmental stewardship is becoming increasingly necessary.
Amid the infrastructure boom, local populations are left questioning the cost of progress. As the sun beats down on Georgia, the challenge remains: how can society support our digital future without depleting essential water resources?
