Living Under the Shadow of Data Centres: The Struggles of Rural Residents

Challenges of Living Near a Data Centre

In the serene countryside of Mansfield, Georgia, Beverly Morris believed she had found her ideal retirement sanctuary. However, her idyllic existence took a turn after the construction of a large data centre just a stone’s throw from her home. What was once a tranquil setting is now marred by water issues attributed to the facility’s presence.

Data Centre Impact

The facility, operated by Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has led to significant deterioration in the quality of Morris’s water supply. She claims that the construction activities disrupted her private well, resulting in heavy sediment accumulation. “I can’t live in my home with half of my home functioning and no water,” she lamented. Morris now resorts to using buckets to flush her toilet as the water coming from her tap is often discolored and unfit for consumption.

Despite her concerns, Meta has stated that their operations have not negatively affected the groundwater condition. They commissioned an independent study which concluded that the data centre’s activities had no adverse impact. “Being a good neighbor is a priority,” Meta stressed in a public statement.

The Rise of Data Centres

The emergence of data centres has grown immensely in the United States, especially given the rising demand for cloud computing and AI services. There are now over 10,000 data centres globally, with a significant concentration in the U.S., followed by the UK and Germany. As artificial intelligence advances, the unprecedented demand for online services raises concerns from local populations.

Many citizens in rural areas are beginning to voice their grievances, leading to the delay of approximately $64 billion worth of projects due to local activism opposing new constructions.

Environmental Implications

Water consumption is at the forefront of these disputes, as significant amounts are required to cool the servers housed in data centres. Mark Mills from the National Center for Energy Analytics highlighted that cooling these hot processors demands large quantities of water. On hot days, some facilities can use millions of gallons to manage temperature, raising alarms about their sustainability.

Local Perspectives

Georgia has appeared as a prime location for data centres due to its humid climate, which offers a cost-effective solution for cooling. However, this benefit comes with potential environmental drawbacks. Gordon Rogers, director of Flint Riverkeeper, a nonprofit organization that assesses the Flint River’s health, showcased concerns regarding the construction runoff affecting local waters. “It shouldn’t be that color,” said local resident George Dietz, referring to the murky water samples taken from a nearby creek.

Corporate Responsibility

Tech giants, like Amazon Web Services (AWS), have acknowledged the issues surrounding water use and are implementing measures to mitigate their environmental footprint. They aim to replenish more water than they consume by2030 through initiatives like rainwater harvesting and reusing treated wastewater for cooling.

While AWS claims that water is used only on about 10% of the hottest days of the year, the estimated consumption of water due to data-driven services can be staggering. For instance, responding to just a few queries via AI models can use substantial amounts of water.

The Path Ahead

As cloud computing continues to integrate into everyday life, experts like Professor Rajiv Garg at Emory University emphasize the importance of evolving towards sustainable data solutions. The growth of data centres cannot be halted, but proactive measures—such as smarter cooling systems and better infrastructure—could alleviate some concerns. “In the short term, data centres will create a huge strain, but the industry is starting to shift toward sustainability,” he states.

For residents like Beverly Morris, the once-pristine landscape of her dream home is now overshadowed by the ever-expanding infrastructure of the digital age. The challenge remains to balance technological advancements with environmental sustainability, particularly when it comes to preserving vital water resources.