Sources

Data Center Water Tracker: sources

Every citation behind the tracker, in one place. Each entry states its publisher and links to the original. Nothing on the tracker is published without one.

327 citations 230 organizations 226 measures Updated October 7, 2026

Open data credits: Axios Pro Energy; Colorado Newsline; Data Center Dynamics news; Factor This; GovTech; Inside Climate News; LegiScan (legiscan.com) and the state legislature; Michigan Advance; Mississippi Today; OpenStates v3 (openstates.org), CC BY 4.0; Route Fifty; Strisker data center notes; The Register; The Texas Tribune; The Verge; W.Media.

• 352today.com https://352today.com/news/257752-marion-county-pauses-large-commercial-data-centers-for-a-year-with-a-50-megawatt-cutoff-on-who-still-gets-through/
• abc6onyourside.com https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/ohio-epa-drops-plan-statewide-data-center-wastewater-permit-shifts-national-pollutant-discharge-elimination-system-environmental-protection-agency-case-by-case
• akcenter.org https://akcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Data-Centers-Whitepaper_The-Alaska-Center_January-2026.pdf
• api.congress.gov https://api.congress.gov/v3/bill/119
• api.legiscan.com https://api.legiscan.com/
• api.waterdata.usgs.gov https://api.waterdata.usgs.gov/
• arkansasonline.com https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2026/sep/25/pulaski-county-judge-barry-hyde-vetoes-ordinance/
• arkleg.state.ar.us https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=SB10&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R
• arkleg.state.ar.us https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/FTPDocument/?path=%2fSessionInformation%2LegislativeMeasures.txt
• atlantanewsfirst.com https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2026/07/13/records-raise-questions-about-georgias-largest-data-center-its-water-use/
• awwa.org https://www.awwa.org/wp-content/uploads/AWWA-Cooling-the-Cloud-Water-Utilities-in-a-Data-Driver-World.pdf
• axios.com https://www.axios.com/2026/09/16/house-ai-data-center-power-bills
• berthoudsurveyor.com https://berthoudsurveyor.com/mead-approves-12-month-data-center-moratorium/
• billstatus.ls.state.ms.us https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB3410.xml
• bondbuyer.com https://www.bondbuyer.com/news/ohio-mulls-data-center-rules-as-wisconsin-lawmakers-stall
• boston.com https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2026/09/15/boston-city-council-to-consider-zoning-changes-that-would-bar-data-center-construction/
• brockovichdatacenter.com https://www.brockovichdatacenter.com/
• brockovichdatacenter.com https://www.brockovichdatacenter.com/community-and-legislation.html
• businessrecord.com https://www.businessrecord.com/energy-water-use-under-close-watch-as-data-centers-expand-in-iowa/
• buttedatacenterinfo.com https://www.buttedatacenterinfo.com/water
• c-win.org https://www.c-win.org/cwin-water-blog/2024/9/23/california-almond-water-usage-updated
• cbsaustin.com https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/austin-city-council-unanimously-moves-forward-with-new-data-center-regulations
• cbsnews.com https://www.cbsnews.com/atlanta/news/coweta-county-residents-file-appeal-to-stop-massive-data-center-on-protected-rural-land/
• cbsnews.com https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/inside-lowell-markley-data-center/
• cdn-dynmedia-1.microsoft.com https://cdn-dynmedia-1.microsoft.com/is/content/microsoftcorp/microsoft/msc/documents/presentations/CSR/2026-Microsoft-Environmental-Data-Fact-Sheet-PDF.pdf
• centralmaine.com https://www.centralmaine.com/2026/02/18/new-details-emerge-about-proposed-southern-maine-data-center/
• ceres.org https://www.ceres.org/resources/reports/water-behind-the-watts-the-hidden-risk-of-powering-data-centers
• cfpublic.org https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2026-09-15/orange-county-plans-a-moratorium-on-ai-data-centers
• cga.ct.gov https://www.cga.ct.gov/2025/etdata/TMY/2025SB-01292-R000218-Phelps,%20Chris,%20State%20Director-Environment%20Connecticut--TMY.PDF
• cga.ct.gov https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5076&which_year=2025
• charlestoncitypaper.com https://charlestoncitypaper.com/2026/09/08/mount-pleasant-leaders-to-talk-data-center-moratorium/
• chefdeproduit.com https://www.chefdeproduit.com/DOC/google-2025-esg.pdf
• chronicleonline.com https://www.chronicleonline.com/news/local/levy-county-approves-moratorium-on-data-centers/article_177dad48-7ddc-55b8-a945-cedb2a3a0013.html
• circleofblue.org https://www.circleofblue.org/
• circleofblue.org https://www.circleofblue.org/2025/supply/data-centers-a-small-but-growing-factor-in-arizonas-water-budget/
• circleofblue.org https://www.circleofblue.org/2025/water-energy/new-era-of-confrontation-between-energy-and-water-opens-in-great-lakes/
• circleofblue.org https://www.circleofblue.org/2026/fresh-great-lakes/great-lakes-states-face-a-data-center-governance-gap/
• circleofblue.org https://www.circleofblue.org/2026/water-energy/the-ai-boom-is-prolonging-indianas-fossil-fuel-era-with-hidden-costs-for-water/
• citizenportal.ai https://citizenportal.ai/articles/8445369/hawaii/hawaii-county/hawaii-county-committee-forwards-bill-170-to-planning-commissions-after-widespread-public-testimony-opposing-data-centers
• citizenportal.ai https://citizenportal.ai/articles/8693835/maryland/baltimore-county/mde-state-has-not-issued-a-data-center-water-appropriation-permit-counties-sometimes-allocate-existing-permits
• cityoffoley.org https://cityoffoley.org/foley-data-center-moratorium/
• cityofgilroy.org https://www.cityofgilroy.org/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/1331
• cityofperryville.com https://www.cityofperryville.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09012026-1109
• clarionledger.com https://www.clarionledger.com/story/business/2025/06/10/amazon-will-expand-use-of-recycled-water-for-mississippi-data-center-project/84114276007/
• clarksvillenow.com https://clarksvillenow.com/local/future-data-centers-to-require-public-hearing-under-new-rules-proposed-for-montgomery-county/
• coloradonewsline.com https://coloradonewsline.com/2026/09/29/weld-county-group-collecting-petition-signatures-to-block-global-ai-data-center/
• coloradopolitics.com https://www.coloradopolitics.com/2026/05/24/tapped-is-water-a-problem-for-data-centers-in-colorado/
• columbus.legistar.com https://columbus.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=1445174&GUID=EEB76761-1E41-492B-87F9-41B5B7FD056A
• communityimpact.com https://communityimpact.com/central-austin/texas-legislature/texas-includes-minimal-data-center-info-in-state-water-plan-citing-limited-data/
• compass.beg.utexas.edu https://compass.beg.utexas.edu/files/publications/Water_Requirements_for_DC_White_Paper.pdf
• congress.gov https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2940
• congress.gov https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5227
• congress.gov https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5332
• congress.gov https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6900
• congress.gov https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6984/text
• congress.gov https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7858
• congress.gov https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/8033
• congress.gov https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/8037
• congress.gov https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9372
• congress.gov https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9419
• congress.gov https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9442
• congress.gov https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9629
• congress.gov https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9777
• congress.gov https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9825
• congress.gov https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3269
• congress.gov https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3737
• congress.gov https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3852
• congress.gov https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/4214
• congress.gov https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/5054
• congress.gov https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R49057
• congress.gov https://www.congress.gov/crs_external_products/R/PDF/R49057/R49057.1.pdf
• content.govdelivery.com https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/ILLAKE/bulletins/42810a1
• content.leg.colorado.gov https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/r26-49-data-center-impacts-on-economy-and-the-environment-accessible.pdf
• controlassociatesinc.com https://controlassociatesinc.com/blog/data-center-water-regulation-2026
• council.seattle.gov https://council.seattle.gov/2026/06/09/city-council-passes-emergency-data-center-moratorium-and-policy-framework/
• countycouncilweb.s3.amazonaws.com https://countycouncilweb.s3.amazonaws.com/Bills%202026/b07926.pdf
• covnews.com https://www.covnews.com/news/county/data-centers-take-center-stage-in-udo-draft/
• cowboystatedaily.com https://cowboystatedaily.com/2026/05/08/as-data-centers-boom-wyomingites-want-to-know-where-the-waters-coming-from/
• cronkitenews.azpbs.org https://cronkitenews.azpbs.org/2026/09/11/data-centers-water-colorado-river/
• dakotafreepress.com https://dakotafreepress.com/2026/07/31/data-centers-may-not-drain-future-water-supply/
• datacenterdynamics.com https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/california-governor-signs-seven-bill-package-targeting-data-center-energy-and-water-use/
• datacenterdynamics.com https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/microsoft-claims-water-positivity-across-data-center-operations/
• datacenterwatch.org https://www.datacenterwatch.org/
• datacenterwatch.org https://www.datacenterwatch.org/q1-2026
• deq.nd.gov https://deq.nd.gov/PublicComment/NDPDES-Jamestown-20240615.pdf
• dispatch.com https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2026/07/06/columbus-area-data-centers-used-1-2-billion-gallons-of-water-in-a-year/90664392007/
• dnr.wisconsin.gov https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/sites/default/files/topic/WaterUse/WithdrawalReport/2024.pdf
• docs.legis.wisconsin.gov https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/asm/bill/ab722
• docs.legis.wisconsin.gov https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb1061
• docs.legis.wisconsin.gov https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb729
• documents.dnrec.delaware.gov https://documents.dnrec.delaware.gov/Admin/Public-Notices/CCE20250425/Comments/1-12-26-Theresa-T.pdf
• eenews.net https://www.eenews.net/articles/states-push-to-end-secrecy-over-data-center-water-use/
• eenews.net https://www.eenews.net/articles/xai-sidelines-major-water-reuse-project-as-ipo-looms/
• eli.org https://www.eli.org/sites/default/files/files-pdf/Data%20Centers%20and%20Water%20Fact%20Sheet%20ELI%20January%202026%20(1).pdf
• elsinore247.com https://elsinore247.com/2026/08/council-unanimously-approves-45-day-data-center-moratorium.html
• energycommerce.house.gov https://energycommerce.house.gov/posts/icymi-house-energy-and-commerce-committee-moves-to-address-data-center-water-use
• epa.gov https://www.epa.gov/waterreuse/water-reuse-case-study-quincy-washington
• esgdive.com https://www.esgdive.com/news/microsoft-claims-2025-water-replenishment-milestone/823666/
• eta.lbl.gov https://eta.lbl.gov/publications/2024-lbnl-data-center-energy-usage-report
• federalregister.gov https://www.federalregister.gov/
• feeds.texastribune.org https://feeds.texastribune.org/link/16799/17461898/texas-data-centers-abbott-water-survey-enforcement
• files.dep.state.pa.us https://files.dep.state.pa.us/PublicParticipation/Citizens%20Advisory%20Council/CACPortalFiles/Meetings/2026_01/Data%20Center%20Water%20Use%20Presentation.pdf
• flsenate.gov https://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/BillSummaries/2026/html/484
• foodandwaterwatch.org https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/
• foodandwaterwatch.org https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RPT2_2602_DataCenterMoratorium.pdf
• fortworthreport.org https://fortworthreport.org/2026/08/12/data-center-moratorium-takes-first-steps-after-fort-worth-city-councils-unanimous-vote/
• fortworthtexas.gov https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/city-manager/datacenters
• fox13memphis.com https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/fox13-investigates-records-show-spacexai-is-using-millions-of-gallons-of-drinking-water-monthly/article_b9b113ac-a898-4a06-a7e7-fafc020957cc.html
• fox29.com https://www.fox29.com/news/philadelphia-launches-data-center-task-force-amid-concerns-over-energy-environment
• fox49.tv https://fox49.tv/news/local/leon-county-moves-toward-18-month-data-center-moratorium
• fox6now.com https://www.fox6now.com/news/milwaukee-city-plan-commission-approves-data-center-moratorium
• gcsaa.org https://www.gcsaa.org/docs/default-source/Environment/phase-2-water-use-survey-full-report.pdf?sfvrsn=2b39123e_4
• gov.nv.gov https://www.gov.nv.gov/executive-actions/executive-orders/2026-executive-orders/eo-2026-005/
• gov.texas.gov https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-directs-comprehensive-data-center-audit
• gov.texas.gov https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/TCEQ_Data_Center.pdf
• gov.texas.gov https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/TWDB_Letter.pdf
• governor.nebraska.gov https://governor.nebraska.gov/gov-pillen-signs-executive-order-data-centers
• governor.ny.gov https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/first-statewide-moratorium-new-hyperscale-data-centers-launched-governor-kathy-hochul
• governor.virginia.gov https://www.governor.virginia.gov/media/governorvirginiagov/governor-of-virginia/pdf/eo/eo-22-establishing-va-data-center-accountability-and-ai-initiatives.pdf
• govinfo.gov https://www.govinfo.gov/bulkdata/BILLSTATUS/119/hr/BILLSTATUS-119hr9497.xml
• govinfo.gov https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-119hr10004ih/html/BILLS-119hr10004ih.htm
• govinfo.gov https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-119hr10005ih/html/BILLS-119hr10005ih.htm
• govinfo.gov https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-119hr10041ih/html/BILLS-119hr10041ih.htm
• govinfo.gov https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-119hr10139ih/html/BILLS-119hr10139ih.htm
• govinfo.gov https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-119hr10321ih/html/BILLS-119hr10321ih.htm
• govinfo.gov https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-119hr10465ih/html/BILLS-119hr10465ih.htm
• govinfo.gov https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-119hr8488ih/html/BILLS-119hr8488ih.htm
• govinfo.gov https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-119hr9019ih/html/BILLS-119hr9019ih.htm
• govinfo.gov https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-119s4727is/html/BILLS-119s4727is.htm
• govtech.com https://www.govtech.com/artificial-intelligence/amazon-clears-first-hurdle-for-10b-data-center-near-houston
• govtech.com https://www.govtech.com/products/minnesota-data-center-debate-turns-to-water-consumption
• govtrack.us https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/119/s4213/text/is
• greatlakes.org https://greatlakes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/AGL_WaterUse_Report_Aug2025_Final.pdf
• greenpeace.org https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/campaign-updates/
• greenpeace.org https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/data-centers-are-making-you-pay-for-big-techs-boom/
• grist.org https://grist.org/technology/utah-data-center-water-supply-meta-novva/
• harcresearch.org https://harcresearch.org/
• hcn.org https://www.hcn.org/issues/57-8/the-wests-data-centers-suck-water-and-power/
• hillsboro-oregon.civicweb.net https://hillsboro-oregon.civicweb.net/document/260028/Hillsboro%20Data%20Center%20Work%20Session%206.2.2026%20Final.pdf?handle=84472410EBCA44138BBED41B36506D81
• hometownstations.com https://www.hometownstations.com/2026/09/15/lima-puts-pause-future-data-center-projects-city-evaluates-standards/
• idahostatesman.com https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/business/article304464416.html
• iea.blob.core.windows.net https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/34eac603-ecf1-464f-b813-2ecceb8f81c2/EnergyandAI.pdf
• iga.in.gov https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1043/details
• indepthnh.org https://indepthnh.org/2026/02/11/lawmakers-want-to-ban-data-center-construction-for-a-year/
• insideclimatenews.org https://insideclimatenews.org/news/03092026/texas-no-mailing-list-for-data-centers/
• insideclimatenews.org https://insideclimatenews.org/news/08102026/pennsylvania-natural-gas-well-buffers-data-centers/
• itif.org https://itif.org/publications/2026/07/06/the-data-center-water-problem-is-soluble/
• ivpressonline.com https://www.ivpressonline.com/news/calexico-approves-ban-on-data-centers/article_a62ccac1-e49d-410a-90c9-bb4464d4b005.html
• jlarc.virginia.gov https://jlarc.virginia.gov/pdfs/reports/Rpt598-2.pdf
• journal-news.com https://www.journal-news.com/local/warren-county-enacts-6-month-moratorium-on-new-data-centers/article_9b0a7d8f-7ce7-5238-a355-2b1903b14b78.html
• kalw.org https://www.kalw.org/bay-area-news/2026-09-15/san-francisco-pushing-back-on-data-centers
• katv.com https://katv.com/news/local/north-little-rock-city-council-sets-new-rules-for-data-center-campuses-with-amendment-utilities-water-electricity-zoning-regulations-industrial-zone-developments-impact-residential-areas
• kedt.org https://www.kedt.org/texas-news/2026-09-11/planning-and-zoning-commission-wary-of-hindering-development-after-city-council-calls-for-data-center-regulations
• kgun9.com https://www.kgun9.com/news/community-inspired-journalism/southeast-side-news/well-permits-disclose-how-project-blue-will-get-its-water
• kirksvilledailyexpress.com https://www.kirksvilledailyexpress.com/stories/kirksville-commission-sends-data-center-zoning-rules-to-city-council,32747
• kold.com https://www.kold.com/2026/09/01/pima-county-health-review-sets-framework-data-center-decisions/
• ksat.com https://www.ksat.com/news/ksat-investigates/2026/07/28/texas-law-shields-san-antonio-area-data-center-water-usage-from-public-records-requests/
• kslegislature.gov https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb400/
• ktiv.com https://www.ktiv.com/2026/09/30/sioux-county-proposes-new-ordinance-regulate-data-centers/
• kttc.com https://www.kttc.com/2026/09/17/harmony-moves-forward-with-revised-proposed-data-center-ordinance/
• kwtx.com https://www.kwtx.com/2026/06/24/lawmakers-demand-answers-texas-data-centers-water-use/
• law.berkeley.edu https://www.law.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/archive/2026/02/Regulating-Data-Center-Water-Use-in-CA_Report_CLEE-2026.pdf
• le.utah.gov https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/hbillenr/HB0076.pdf
• leginfo.legislature.ca.gov https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1577
• leginfo.legislature.ca.gov https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2469
• leginfo.legislature.ca.gov https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2619
• leginfo.legislature.ca.gov https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB887
• legis.iowa.gov https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/billTracking/billHistory?billName=HF%202001&ga=91
• legis.iowa.gov https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/billTracking/billHistory?billName=HF%202447&ga=91
• legis.iowa.gov https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/billTracking/billHistory?billName=HF%202690&ga=91
• legis.la.gov https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/BillInfo.aspx?i=249281
• legis.la.gov https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/BillInfo.aspx?i=251542
• legiscan.com https://legiscan.com/SD/bill/SB135/2026
• legislature.idaho.gov https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/H0895/
• legislature.mi.gov https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2026-HB-6138
• legislature.mi.gov https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2026-HB-6265
• legislature.mi.gov https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2026-SB-1046
• legislature.ohio.gov https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb784
• legislature.ohio.gov https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/sb378
• lis.virginia.gov https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB2377
• lis.virginia.gov https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB496
• lis.virginia.gov https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB589
• localmemphis.com https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/local/groundbreaking-set-xais-greywater-facility/522-1ff007b2-273d-4df9-9dfa-183e1c741b65
• loudounwater.org https://www.loudounwater.org/data-center-water-use
• macon.com https://www.macon.com/news/environment/article314935084.html
• mankatofreepress.com https://www.mankatofreepress.com/news/north-mankato-city-council-passes-12-month-moratorium-on-data-center-construction/article_1f5228e5-e8eb-4177-9363-a7b84f233b57.html
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