Hyperscale data center proposals face water and sewer capacity backlash in DeKalb County

Hyperscale data center proposals face water and sewer capacity backlash in DeKalb CountyCitizens are demanding an independent environmental impact study before new data centers are approved, warning that chemical discharges could overwhelm a wastewater system already under a federal consent order.

Residents warned that the county's industrial pretreatment permits do not account for the removal of common cooling chemicals used in data centers.

Concerns were raised over the toxicity of wastewater discharged from closed-loop cooling systems after multiple circulation cycles.

The data center debate is amplified by DeKalb County's ongoing federal consent order for sanitary sewer overflows into local waterways.

The Board of Commissioners also deferred a $168,500 sewer upgrade agreement and the renewal of its water and sewer customer assistance program.

Plans to develop hyperscale AI data centers in DeKalb County, Georgia, are facing intense public opposition over the potential strain on the municipality's water and wastewater infrastructure. During the August 11, 2026, Board of Commissioners meeting, multiple residents demanded that the county fully fund an independent health and environmental impact study before advancing any zoning text amendments that would facilitate data center development. A primary concern is the unknown impact on local water resources and sewer capacity. Residents highlighted that while developers have proposed closed-loop cooling systems to minimize water consumption, these systems still present significant wastewater challenges. One resident noted that after several cycles, unevaporated water containing toxic cooling chemicals must be discharged back into the municipal system or the ground. Citizens warned that DeKalb County's current industrial pretreatment permit does not effectively remove the common chemicals used for data center cooling. The pushback is heavily influenced by the county's existing infrastructure struggles. DeKalb County is currently operating under a federal consent order related to years of sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) into local soils, streams, and the South River. Residents expressed frustration that the county has paid millions of dollars in fines and penalties over the last 15 years for sewer infractions, arguing that adding chemically treated data center discharge to the system is reckless without a comprehensive capacity study. In separate procedural actions during the meeting, the Board of Commissioners deferred two water-related items to its August 25 session. The board deferred a vote on an agreement with PPF AMLI 750 Commerce Drive, LLC for the construction and financing of sewer upgrades, which includes a developer contribution of $168,500. The board also deferred the renewal of a contract with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta to operate the DeKalb County water and sewer customer assistance programs, pending further committee review.