Data center water usage goes unnoticed

A major data center in Georgia consumed nearly 30 million gallons of water without detection for months, raising concerns about inadequate monitoring systems. The facility, owned by Quality Technology Services (QTS), had unmonitored water hookups, leading to a significant, unbilled water draw during a period of drought and water restrictions for local residents. While QTS eventually paid for the water, the county declined to impose penalties, citing its role as a major customer and its own system deficiencies. This incident highlights the strain on water resources from data center growth and the need for better oversight.