The Dalles Officials Criticize OPB Investigation on Google Water Use and Reservoir Expansion Plans
Officials in The Dalles have criticized OPB's investigation into the city's water reservoir expansion plans, which are linked to Google's data center operations. The report highlighted agreements from 2021 that granted Google significant water access, while The Dalles seeks to acquire land to triple its reservoir capacity amid rising water demand from both the tech giant and the city's growing population. The city maintains that the expansion is essential for accommodating residents, not solely for Google's needs, despite environmental concerns regarding local habitats.
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The Dalles officials criticized OPB's investigation into the city's water reservoir expansion linked to Google's data centers. OPB's report revealed two agreements from 2021: one granting Google annual water access for cooling its data centers, and another involving a $28.5 million infrastructure transfer to The Dalles.
Google currently uses a third of the city's water, with its consumption rising from 104 million gallons in 2012 to 434 million gallons in 2024. The Dalles is lobbying for a bill to acquire 150 acres of Mount Hood National Forest to triple its reservoir capacity, despite concerns from environmental groups about impacts on the Dog River, a vital habitat for threatened fish.
The city's population has grown by 12% since 2012, resulting in increased water demand. A recent error in OPB's reporting about projected water rates led to clarifications. The Dalles asserts its reservoir expansion is necessary for its population growth, not solely for Google.
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