Fundamental Data Plans Large Water-Consuming Data Center in West Virginia Amid Drought Concerns
Fundamental Data LLC is set to build a gas turbine-powered data center in Tucker County, West Virginia, projected to consume 3-5 million gallons of water daily, which could account for 5%-8% of the state's public water supply. Despite community opposition and concerns over water quality and quantity, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has approved an air quality permit for the facility. Environmental advocates are alarmed by the potential impact of such large water consumption amid ongoing drought issues in the region.
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Fundamental Data LLC plans to construct a gas turbine-powered data center in Tucker County, West Virginia, which could consume 3-5 million gallons of water daily, representing 5%-8% of the state's public water supply in 2023. Despite community opposition, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection approved an air quality permit for the facility in August.
Concerns among residents include both water quality and quantity, especially following a drought emergency last summer that rendered the city of Thomas' water supply unusable. Additionally, elevated lead levels were found in the drinking water of nearby Davis, with lead service line replacements expected by the end of 2026.
The specific water withdrawal amounts for Fundamental Data's operations remain undisclosed. The broader implications of water scarcity due to such large data centers have raised alarms among environmental advocates.
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