Virginia drought forces data centers under same water restrictions

Virginia is experiencing its most severe drought in decades, with one‑third of the state under extreme conditions and rainfall well below normal. Data centers, which consume between 500,000 and 5 million gallons of water per day for cooling and draw additional water indirectly through power‑plant electricity generation, are among the state's heaviest water users. Officials say the facilities are not exempt from drought limits; they operate under groundwater withdrawal permits that already incorporate seasonal constraints.

State and local agencies are applying the same water‑conservation rules to data centers as to residential, commercial and other industrial customers. Restrictions move through a three‑stage framework—watch, warning, emergency—and can include mandatory limits on irrigation, pool filling and other non‑essential uses. Governor Abigail Spanberger has urged residents to conserve water, and 72 % of Virginians believe the data‑center industry needs more regulation. A forthcoming Google data center, slated to begin drawing water in 2028, is authorized to use up to 8 million gallons per day, highlighting growing tension between economic development and finite water resources.