Data centers must report water use to state board

Data centers; certain data from water users, water use consumption.

Introduced· 2026-01-13

Who's it for

Who's it for: Everyday People

What it means for you

5/10Mixed

Mixed: some good, some bad ·

Cost shift

Draft summary, still being checked against the official bill text. Read the source to confirm.

If passed, water suppliers to data centers would have to file monthly water use reports, adding paperwork and possibly higher costs for consumers.

Our take

What we think, in plain words.

The bill could help the state plan water supplies better, but it also puts extra reporting work on water utilities and may raise water rates for everyday users.

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The facts

What the bill actually says, no spin.

The bill would require any water user that supplies water to a data center to report the total volume each month, or each quarter if not measured monthly.
Reports must include the amount of reclaimed water and be filed with the State Water Control Board.
The Board may also require other large water users to register their withdrawal data if they exceed set thresholds.
The bill would take effect on January 1, 2027.
It was introduced by Delegates Shelly Simonds and Elizabeth Guzman and is currently in a House subcommittee.