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Hyperscale Data Centers Strain Local Water, Power Supplies

7/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Hyperscale data centers are straining local water and power supplies.
John Farner, executive director of land and water at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, said data-center development has been tracked since 2010.
He noted that today’s hyperscale facilities are much larger, more powerful, and far more resource-intensive than earlier sites.
The Lincoln Institute, a nonprofit, has been researching the land and water use of data centers for several years.

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Story summary

Hyperscale data centers are straining local water and power supplies.
John Farner, executive director of land and water at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, said data-center development has been tracked since 2010.
He noted that today’s hyperscale facilities are much larger, more powerful, and far more resource-intensive than earlier sites.
The Lincoln Institute, a nonprofit, has been researching the land and water use of data centers for several years.