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Mason, Michigan, is assessing the potential impact of data centers on its water supply as city leaders prepare regulations for future developments. A hired firm is studying the local aquifer and water infrastructure to determine available water for data centers.

Water experts caution that the state's groundwater is vulnerable to increased demand from data centers and agriculture, especially amid climate change. In 2024, U.S. data centers are projected to use 560 billion liters of water.

Data centers cooling systems vary in water usage, with evaporative cooling being the most water-intensive. The Great Lakes Commission is urging careful planning regarding water resources as the region sees a surge in data center proposals. Recent shifts toward coal and nuclear power may reverse previous declines in water use for electricity generation, raising concerns about sustainable water management.