Story perspectives

California Data Centers Hide Water Use, Target Strained Communities

5/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

The May 2026 report warns California data-center developers hide water-use figures while targeting water-stressed, low-income communities.
Researchers say planning documents are rarely posted and omit or contradict cooling-system and water-source details.
The study finds projects moving to rural sites like Gilroy and the Imperial Valley, where groundwater is overdrawn.
Legislator Diane Papan reintroduced bills for water-use reporting and to block approvals in overdrafted basins after Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a measure.

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Story summary

The May 2026 report warns California data-center developers hide water-use figures while targeting water-stressed, low-income communities.
Researchers say planning documents are rarely posted and omit or contradict cooling-system and water-source details.
The study finds projects moving to rural sites like Gilroy and the Imperial Valley, where groundwater is overdrawn.
Legislator Diane Papan reintroduced bills for water-use reporting and to block approvals in overdrafted basins after Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a measure.