Paulding County faces public pushback over data center water demands

Paulding County faces public pushback over data center water demandsAs the Georgia county advances routine water and sewer financial updates, residents are warning that proposed data centers could consume up to 1 million gallons per day and push future water demand well beyond legally permitted withdrawal limits.

Residents warned that a proposed 100-megawatt data center could use up to 1 million gallons of water daily, straining local watersheds.

Paulding County's withdrawal permit for the Richland Creek Reservoir allows 35 MGD annually, while current usage sits at 15 MGD.

Public commenters cited engineering projections estimating county water demand will reach 47 MGD by 2035, exceeding current legal limits.

The Board of Commissioners approved a $56,285 contract with Raftelis to update the financial model for the Water and Sewer Fund.

Data center water consumption has become a flashpoint in Paulding County, Georgia, where residents are urging the Board of Commissioners to halt facility approvals due to concerns over sensitive headwaters and future water scarcity. During a July 14 meeting, public commenters highlighted the vulnerability of local watersheds, including the Etowah River, Tallapoosa, Pumpkinvine, and Richland Creek. Resident Marilyn Sawyer noted that Richland Creek is currently running at 31 percent of its mean stream flow and that one-third of the county's assessed waterways are already impaired. The core concern centers on the intensive water requirements of proposed technology facilities. Sawyer warned the board that a single 100-megawatt data center could consume nearly 800,000 to 1 million gallons of water per day. With up to four such facilities reportedly under consideration, residents expressed concern that industrial demand could trigger conservation mandates in the drought-prone area. Paulding County's current withdrawal permit for the Richland Creek Reservoir allows for 35 million gallons per day (MGD) annually, with a monthly limit of 42 MGD. While current usage sits at 15 MGD, leaving a 20 MGD buffer, public commenters cited engineering projections indicating that baseline county demand will reach 47 MGD by 2035—well above the current legal limit. While the board did not take action on data center zoning during the meeting, it did approve several routine water infrastructure and planning items. Commissioners approved a $56,285 contract with Raftelis to update the financial model for the Water and Sewer Fund. The board also signed off on a $97,000 contract with Kimley-Horn for utility relocation design services on the New Hope Corridor, and a $61,000 contract with Eidson Underground LLC to install 700 feet of 16-inch transmission main at the future Due West intersection on State Route 92.