Water First: NJ Battles Data Center Growth

Life depends on a reliable supply of clean drinking water, making land-use decisions inherently water-related. Growing concerns exist regarding the impact of large-scale data centers on vital water sources in New Jersey.

The Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA) is advocating for a temporary statewide moratorium on new data centers, emphasizing the need to protect the Raritan River Basin's watershed, a critical drinking water source for much of the state. This initiative aligns with long-standing efforts in source water protection and PFAS remediation.

While acknowledging the importance of digital tools, RHA highlights that approvals for these massive industrial facilities are occurring without enforceable standards to safeguard drinking water, aquifers, and communities. New Jersey already contends with drought, increasing water demand, and aging infrastructure, further complicated by the resource demands of data centers.

Proposed "guardrails" by the governor's office, such as water-use reporting, are deemed insufficient as they offer transparency post-construction rather than proactive protection. RHA stresses the necessity of a precautionary, water-first strategy, including a pause on approvals to develop robust standards for siting, water use, energy demand, and cumulative impacts.

Minimum requirements for data center approval should include demonstrating no impairment to drinking water supplies, worsening drought vulnerability, or degradation of streams and wetlands. Enhanced local authority and clearer municipal tools are also crucial for towns to effectively evaluate these complex projects and reject incompatible developments.