Data Center in Georgia Consumed 30 Million Gallons of Water Unnoticed Amid Drought
Data center guzzled 30 million gallons of water and nobody noticed for months
Ars Technica
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A data center in Fayette County, Georgia, consumed nearly 30 million gallons of water without detection, exacerbating local drought conditions. The facility, operated by Quality Technology Services (QTS), was not billed for the excess water due to unmonitored hookups, raising concerns about water management practices in the area.
- 01Quality Technology Services (QTS) facility in Fayette County, Georgia, consumed nearly 30 million gallons of water without being billed.
- 02The water usage went unnoticed during a drought when residents were advised to conserve water.
- 03The county's outdated monitoring system and staffing shortages contributed to the oversight.
- 04QTS paid approximately $150,000 for the water after the issue was discovered.
- 05Fayette County declined to penalize QTS, citing their status as a major customer.
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In Fayette County, Georgia, a significant oversight allowed the Quality Technology Services (QTS) data center to consume nearly 30 million gallons of water without detection or payment. This occurred during a time when local residents faced drought conditions and were advised to limit their water use. An investigation revealed that two industrial-scale water connections at the facility were not monitored; one was installed without the utility's knowledge, while the other was not linked to QTS's account. Although QTS eventually paid about $150,000 for the water, Fayette County officials chose not to impose fines, attributing the oversight to their outdated water meter system and staffing shortages. The county's water system director, Vanessa Tigert, emphasized the importance of maintaining a partnership with QTS, their largest customer, despite the frustrations expressed by local residents over the lack of accountability.
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The incident highlights the need for improved water management systems to prevent similar occurrences, especially during drought conditions.
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