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SC Data Center Moratorium Demanded Over Water Concerns

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Monday, February 2nd 2026 at 22:07 GMT by South Carolina Daily Gazette
      Locales: South Carolina, UNITED STATES

Columbia, SC - February 3, 2026 - A coalition of environmental groups is intensifying its call for a moratorium on new data center construction in South Carolina, citing unsustainable water usage and increasing strain on local resources. The state, particularly the Upstate region, has experienced a surge in data center development over the past few years, attracting tech giants like Google and Amazon with the promise of lower energy costs and attractive state incentives. However, this rapid growth is now raising serious questions about the long-term environmental and societal impacts.

The core concern revolves around water consumption. Data centers, by their very nature, generate significant heat and require substantial amounts of water for cooling systems. While technological advancements are being made in water-efficient cooling methods, the sheer scale of these new facilities is placing unprecedented demand on already stressed water supplies, particularly during increasingly frequent periods of drought. The recent drought conditions in the Southeast, predicted to worsen with climate change, amplify these worries.

Dharmesh Patel, Senior Attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), explains, "We're witnessing an exponential increase in data center construction, and it's placing a critical strain on our limited water resources. South Carolina needs to pause, thoroughly assess the long-term ecological and community consequences of this development trajectory, and formulate a sustainable path forward."

While economic benefits are undeniable - data centers bring jobs and investment - environmental advocates argue these gains are being realized at a potentially devastating cost. Local communities are reporting increased traffic congestion due to construction and operational vehicles, elevated noise levels, and, most critically, growing anxieties surrounding the availability of potable water for residents and vital agricultural needs. Farmers in the Upstate are particularly concerned, fearing reduced irrigation capacity during peak growing seasons.

The call for a moratorium isn't a blanket opposition to data centers themselves. Groups like SELC emphasize they recognize the crucial role these facilities play in the modern digital economy. However, they are demanding a more proactive and responsible approach to development. A temporary halt would allow the state to implement a comprehensive water management plan, incorporating stricter regulations on water usage for data centers, and ensuring that new facilities utilize the most efficient cooling technologies available.

Furthermore, advocates are pressing for increased transparency in the permitting process. Currently, many argue the process lacks sufficient public input and scrutiny, leaving communities feeling unheard and their concerns unaddressed. "The current system often prioritizes economic incentives over environmental protection and community wellbeing," says Emily Carter, Director of the South Carolina Conservation Coalition. "We need a system that values both, and that requires meaningful community engagement in the planning stages."

Looking ahead, the debate isn't solely about halting construction. It's about redefining the terms of development. Proposals being floated include incentivizing the adoption of dry cooling technologies - which utilize air instead of water - and exploring alternative energy sources to power these massive facilities. Some experts suggest locating data centers closer to renewable energy sources, like hydroelectric dams or wind farms, could reduce both energy costs and environmental impact. There's also growing discussion around implementing tiered water pricing for data centers, encouraging conservation through economic incentives.

The SELC, alongside other environmental organizations like Upstate Forever and the Coastal Conservation League, are actively scheduling meetings with state lawmakers to present their case and advocate for a moratorium. They anticipate a challenging debate, given the significant economic interests at stake, but remain optimistic that a sustainable solution can be reached. The outcome of these discussions could set a precedent for other states grappling with similar challenges as the demand for data storage and processing continues to soar.