Water wars are going on around the country where there are data centers, like the $11 billion project that Amazon Web Services plans to build east of New Carlisle. Not to forget Microsoft's plans for data centers in Granger and LaPorte.
Out west, especially in desert areas, residents are fighting over the huge draws that data centers tend to make on the communities’ already-scarce water supplies.
Here, where the Kankakee Aquifer is known to be generous, the supply may not seem as fierce of a question. The Tribune has pressed for answers, but an Amazon spokesperson wouldn’t say how much water the data center would use. Likewise, a Microsoft spokesperson refused any comment on that company's two projects.
But county and New Carlisle officials have proposed a collective limit on water usage that, at least, gives us some insight.
Keeping water safe: Are there enough protections to keep New Carlisle water clean as industries grow?
However, keeping contamination out of the large aquifer — the source of drinking water for the people of New Carlisle — will forever be a pressing issue. A study by local water experts shows the aquifer lacks a protective layer of clay over it, which makes it vulnerable if toxins accidentally seep into the soil.
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