As interest in large-scale industrial development of data centers continues to grow across our region,
it is critical that local governments take a thoughtful and proactive approach to protecting our surface
and underground waters, communities, and quality of life.
Data centers can withdraw enormous volumes of water — sometimes up to a million gallons per day
for a single facility. They rely on complex cooling systems that use chemicals, generate wastewater,
and create pathways for pollution through discharge, runoff, and system failures. They store large
volumes of diesel fuel and contain hazardous materials—including heavy metals and PFAS — that, if
released, can contaminate groundwater and surface waters for decades.
Data centers require large amounts of power, which usually involve more natural gas power plants,
which require large amounts of cooling water. That is a problem, especially with levels already
decreasing in the Floridan Aquifer and our rivers and springs.
Waterkeepers Florida is ready to engage with local municipalities and counties in developing and
adopting temporary moratoriums on new data center development applications until comprehensive
water, noise, and infrastructure impact studies can be completed and clear, protective and enforceable
regulations can be developed through a transparent public process.
Our position is not anti-growth or anti-technology. Rather, we believe that communities deserve the
opportunity to fully evaluate the potential impacts of data centers on water use, wastewater, energy
demand, wetlands, wildlife habitat, resilience, and long-term community planning before
development decisions are made.
Waterkeepers Florida is ready to participate constructively in the development of data center
regulations to help ensure:
- Protection of our regional surface and underground waters
- Strong environmental standards and accountability
- Meaningful public engagement and transparency
- Consideration of long-term community and ecological impacts; and
- Resilient and sustainable planning practices.
We believe thoughtful planning today will help communities avoid unintended consequences in
the future while ensuring decisions reflect the values and needs of Florida residents.
This is intended to be a living document. Waterkeepers Florida may update this position as new information becomes available and as discussions evolve.