Google Data Centers in Nebraska Report Significant Water Usage Amid Concerns Over Drought
Google's data centers in Nebraska reported a water consumption increase to 732 million gallons in 2025, raising concerns about resource allocation in a drought-prone state. Local water professionals fear the growing tech footprint could strain water supplies, prompting calls for greater transparency and efficiency in water usage.
Theia Market Signal Identification - AI Assisted
In 2025, Google self-reported that its data centers in Nebraska consumed approximately 732 million gallons of water. This figure is significantly higher than the consumption of Omaha Metropolitan Utilities District customers in a week.
The increase in usage, from 46.6 million gallons in 2022 to 134.7 million gallons in 2023, highlights potential strains on local water resources, especially as the state faces drought conditions. New state legislation mandates companies to disclose annual water use, aiming to enhance transparency.
Local water professionals express concerns over data center expansion into areas with limited water resources, as most of Nebraska's water consumption is for irrigation. The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment will begin collecting detailed data on water and energy use later this year, which may inform future regulations.
Comments