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Data Centers: An Emerging Industry
Introduction

The anticipated growth in data centers is of interest to the DRBC because water is essential to their operation. Many data centers directly use water for cooling, to prevent servers and other equipment from overheating, and most indirectly use water due to significant energy needs, where thermoelectric energy generation in turn requires water for cooling.

Image of a data center (Adobe Stock).
Learning & Adapting

The development of data centers is a part of technology and industry in the midst of rapid deployment and maturation.

Today's so-called hyperscale data centers are larger and more resource-intensive than existing centers, the better to process larger volumes of data and support the buildout of AI and other advanced technology.

→ DRBC is tracking policy, legislative and technology developments in this rapidly changing space.

→ DRBC's technical staff is tracking data centers within the Delaware River Basin to understand and manage potential water resources implications. 

  • There are approximately sixty data centers currently operating within the Delaware River Basin, most of which are small-to medium-scale traditional and colocation centers.

  • To date, the DRBC has not received any applications for data center projects because the existing data centers in the Basin purchase water from public water supply systems rather than operate their own withdrawal systems.

  • The DRBC is aware of approximately nine new data centers being planned within the Delaware River Basin. None has applied to the DRBC to date.


August 2025

In August, the DRBC's Executive Director shared policy and resource management insights on this emerging industry with the Pennsylvania Senate's Majority Policy Committee. 


October 2025

In October, DRBC staff provided an update on data centers to its Water Management Advisory Committee.

Also in October, staff had the opportunity to tour data centers in the Atlanta metro using both water-intensive and water-conservative cooling methods. The tour was part of two days of learning about data centers and other water policy developments at the Interstate Council on Water Policy's annual meeting. 


Looking Ahead

The DRBC will continue to track proposed data centers and seek water use information wherever possible. 

Additionally, the DRBC is coordinating with colleagues and partners in the Susquehanna and Potomac river basins and with its relevant state agency partners and is evaluating policies to reduce impacts on our shared water resources.
Resources for Partners

The DRBC can serve as a resource to local governments and officials as they consider data center developments in their communities. Learn more about the potential water resources impacts and role of the DRBC in this emerging industry at the below links.


DRBC Resources
Select Media Coverage


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Additional Resources


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