A proposed $3.6 billion data center project in Tucson, Arizona, known as Project Blue, has sparked controversy among local residents due to concerns over water usage. The project, which would be the city's largest water consumer and among its largest power consumers, has been met with opposition from residents who are already experiencing the effects of a 30-year drought. The Colorado River, which provides much of Tucson's water, has seen a 20% decrease in water flows since 2000, making water cuts to the city imminent. In response to these concerns, the city council voted unanimously not to acquire land for the project or provide it with water and power. However, the project was later approved for construction in an unincorporated part of the county. To address water usage concerns, the project's developers have decided to use air conditioners instead of water to cool the servers, but this has raised concerns about increased power usage and the potential for higher rates for consumers. The issue has highlighted the need for sustainable and environmentally-friendly data center design, particularly in areas prone to drought and heat. As the demand for data centers continues to grow, it is essential to consider the technical architecture and system design decisions that can minimize their environmental impact. This includes exploring alternative cooling methods, such as evaporative cooling or adiabatic cooling, and implementing energy-efficient designs that can reduce power consumption. By prioritizing sustainability and environmental responsibility, data center operators can help mitigate the risks associated with water usage and power consumption, while also ensuring the long-term viability of their operations.

Source: Al Jazeera