Meta’s AI data center in Newton County, Georgia, United States, has caused serious issues with local water resources.
Since the center was built less than 365 meters from the home of a couple named Beverly and Jeff Morris, their household water supply has gradually dried up starting in 2018. Today, two of their shower faucets no longer work. The remaining water is filled with muddy sediment. The Morris family has already spent $5,000 trying to fix the issue, but they cannot afford the $25,000 cost to drill a new well.
Meta’s AI Data Centers Have Caused Water Issues Across the U.S.
A New York Times investigation reveals that this crisis is not limited to the Morris family’s home. The entire Newton County, with a population of over 120,000, is facing a severe water shortage. Reports indicate that by 2030, the county will experience a water deficit. Without upgrades to the water infrastructure, residents may be forced into water rationing. The mayor of Mansfield described the situation as “utterly catastrophic,” warning that water rates are expected to rise by 33%, while the usual annual increase is only about 2%.
Water consumption in AI data centers is extremely high. Older centers like Meta’s use up to 500,000 gallons of water per day, while newer facilities are projected to consume millions of gallons daily. One data center in Georgia has requested 9 million gallons per day—equivalent to the usage of 30,000 households.
Despite this immense water usage, AI companies tend to prioritize locations with cheaper energy over those with reliable water access, since energy is a more expensive resource. This puts intense pressure on local water supplies, especially in areas that rely on rainwater reservoirs.
A Meta spokesperson claims that studies suggest the company’s data center likely has no effect on the Morris family’s well. However, local officials have stated that Meta’s data center accounts for about 10% of the county’s total water consumption, placing significant strain on the available resources.
The proposed solution is to upgrade the county’s water infrastructure at a cost exceeding $250 million. The project needs to be initiated urgently, but it remains unclear whether Meta will contribute financially to these upgrades.
