Amid a nationwide race to develop large data centers to drive the artificial intelligence boom, some local Colorado governments hit pause by enacting moratoriums to research what local regulations make sense. Public criticism concerns the environmental and health effects of data centers, especially hyperscale sites that provide massive computing power for companies like Google and Amazon, and inaction from the state government. … Recently, data centers increasingly are built to train and run AI and cloud storage, a workload that requires a bigger footprint and significantly more energy and water. … A recent Gallup poll found that about 70% of Americans oppose data center construction in their town. Respondents were concerned about centers’ energy and water use, which they fear could lead to higher utility bills. 

Other data center water use news:

• DW (Germany): The hidden environmental cost of AI data centers
• 12News (Phoenix): Arizona AG Kris Mayes to host town hall about data center development concerns
• Center for Biological Diversity: News release: 185 groups slam permitting bill’s sweetheart deal for data centers