Denver AI Data Center Waters Lawn Amid Drought Restrictions, Sparks Resident Outrage

Drought Restrictions and Data Center Watering

Denver Water has implemented Stage 1 drought restrictions for its service area, effective August 2026, due to declining water supplies. Under these rules, commercial properties, including data centers, are limited to watering grass twice a week (Tuesdays and Fridays) until September 30, with a complete ban on lawn sprinklers from October 1 until further notice.

Resident Outcry

Despite the upcoming restrictions, a resident observed a new AI data center near their home watering its lawn extensively, creating large puddles. This incident has generated significant outrage among residents, particularly given the widespread resistance data centers already face regarding resource consumption.

Uncertainty of Legality

The legality of the data center's watering activity remains unclear. The video showing the watering does not confirm the date, so it could have occurred on a permitted watering day. Other possibilities include the data center using recycled, non-potable water, which is exempt from restrictions, or holding a variance from Denver Water for special circumstances. Without further information, it is not possible to definitively determine if a violation occurred.

Compounding Negative Perceptions

Regardless of its legality, this incident contributes to the negative public perception of data centers, which are often criticized for their substantial resource consumption, including water, and other environmental impacts like noise and air pollution. While some data centers use closed-loop cooling to reduce water use, concerns about their overall impact on local water supplies persist.