Study: Data Center Growth Adds to ‘Perfect Storm’ of Risk to Potomac River Drinking Water Supply
Image via WTOP News
The Potomac River basin is home to the largest concentration of data centers in the world, which could contribute to a shortage of drinking water from the Potomac — the primary, and in some cases, sole source of potable water near the nation’s capital.
In a newly released blog post, the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, abbreviated ICPRB, describes some of the ways in which data center growth, which is primarily located in Virginia’s Loudoun and Prince William counties, can affect whether there is enough drinking water to serve Fairfax Water, WSSC Water and the Washington Aqueduct.
“There are 290 data centers in the Potomac River Basin,” said Michael Nardolilli, executive director of the interstate commission, which has a mission “to protect and enhance the waters and related resources of the Potomac River basin through science, regional cooperation, and education,” according to the group’s website.