Seneca, Shannon, Six Nations Mohawk, Turtle Clan, Department of Indigenous Studies, University at Buffalo,639 Clemens Hall, Buffalo NY, 14216, sseneca@buffalo.edu; Boomer, Kathryn, Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research, 401 9th Street NW, Suite 730, Washington, DC 20004, kboomer@foundationfar.org.
As society becomes more dependent on digital infrastructure, the rapid expansion of hyperscale data centers often comes with overlooked environmental consequences. These facilities require enormous amounts of water for cooling, chemical treatments, and generating the electricity they consume. It is important to recognize that the true cost of data centers extends beyond energy and profits while protecting our vital water sources and respecting the communities that rely on them. These water demands can strain local watersheds, diminish water quality, and threaten ecosystem health, especially in regions already facing water scarcity. Moreover, communities opposed to data center projects frequently cite concerns over depleted water supplies, environmental degradation, and diminished quality of life. Despite their economic allure, the true cost of data centers extends beyond financial investments, entangling local waters and communities in long-term environmental and social challenges. Recognizing and addressing these hidden costs is essential for fostering sustainable development that balances technological advancement with water security and community resilience.