**The Water Crisis Next Door: Residents Battle Data Centers for Clean Supply**

**Fayette County resident Beverly Morris struggles with water issues linked to a nearby Meta data center, highlighting a broader crisis as tech giants expand across Georgia, stirring local outrage over resource depletion.**

Beverly Morris thought she had found her slice of paradise when she retired to Fayette County, Georgia in 2016. Nestled among serene trees, her dream home turned into a nightmare when a vast data center, owned by Meta, began operating just a stone's throw away. "I can't drink the water," Morris says, lamenting her lack of access to clean water since the center’s construction disrupted her well.

With sediment clogging her water supply, Morris now resorts to hauling water in buckets to flush her toilet. The plumbing in her kitchen has required urgent repairs, yet the water remains questionable. While she uses it to cook and brush her teeth, an underlying worry gnaws at her daily life.

Meta, defending its impact on local water quality, insists that an independent groundwater study found no adverse effects from their operations. Yet, for Morris, it’s hard to believe that a massive data center running continuously isn't linked to her water woes. “This was my perfect spot,” she remarks, “but it isn’t anymore.”

Across Georgia, a wave of data centers is emerging, significantly driven by the growth of artificial intelligence. These facilities, crucial for powering online services, are increasingly criticized for their massive water consumption needed to cool their servers. Expert testimonies, including those from Mark Mills of the National Center for Energy Analytics, reveal that keeping these high-performing machines cool requires millions of gallons of water daily.

Local communities, already grappling with the influx of data centers, are sounding the alarm. Advocacy groups like Data Center Watch report approximately $64 billion in proposed projects facing delays due to heightened activism from residents concerned about resource depletion. The summer heat amplifies their plight as many centers utilize evaporative cooling, tapping into local water sources.

Gordon Rogers, director of advocacy group Flint Riverkeeper, highlights the deteriorating conditions of local waterways near these construction sites. Recent water samples showcased troubling sedimentation, further exacerbating resident fears about contamination from construction runoff. Even amidst these worries, companies like Quality Technology Services (QTS) assert a commitment to environmental standards.

Despite mounting concerns, tech giants are pledging to take action. Companies such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) aim to restore more water to local sources than they consume by 2030. These efforts include harvested rainwater and partnerships for sustainably managing nutrient pollution.

While initiatives to mitigate the ecological impact of data centers progress, the reality remains that a single AI query can draw as much water as a small bottle. The speed at which the industry expands raises questions about sustainable growth and resource management.

Experts like Prof. Rajiv Garg from Emory University acknowledge the inevitable presence of these data centers in modern society but underscore the necessity for smarter technologies. Actions such as improved cooling methods and enhanced infrastructure are echoed as crucial pathways forward.

In the golden, humid Georgia sun, the struggle intensifies for residents like Morris, battling the repercussions of rapid technological advancement while striving for a chance to reclaim their quality of life. As America invests heavily into AI infrastructure, the challenge looms large: how to power a data-driven future without threatening access to the most vital resource—water.