Data Centers are among the most water-intensive land uses ever proposed for a suburban county. Potable water is required to constantly cool computing equipment.  Currently data centers are not in the zoning code. Recently proposed ZTA 26-01 would allow them in industrial zones of the County but needs amendments to address water use. Click "start writing" to urge the council to pass strong amendments.

******** Breaking News: The Potomac tops the list of "Most Endangered US Rivers" - and Data Centers are a huge contributing factor*******

The Potomac has seen significant drought... and it is getting worse

August 2025 was the driest month on record in 150 years. Experts predict that even with new reservoirs the Potomac will not meet drinking water  demand in extreme drought by 2050. Data centers already account for 12% of water consumption in the watershed. Groundwater resources - relied upon by the Ag Reserve are also facing drought.

Zoning is the tool county leaders have for balancing new growth with public and environmental health.  We are asking residents to join us to make the case for common sense guiderails on data centers in this ZTA. It’s not too late to protect drinking water, and habitat - but we can’t go back and require these changes once hyperscale data centers are built.

Click "Start Writing" to personalize a letter to the Executive  Councilmembers and Planning board

Related: Where are the industrially zoned areas in the county that data centers could be sited under this ZTA - more than you'd think.