business
Records raise questions about Georgia’s largest data center and its water use
By Ciara Cummings at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News
· July 13, 2026
· 6 min read
FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Complaints about low water pressure near Georgia’s largest data center led a metro Atlanta county to discover two unauthorized water lines leading into the facility and a bill to the company for $147,000. But now, Fayette County is walking back accusations...
Key takeaway (Atlanta News First) - Complaints about low water pressure near Georgia’s largest data center led a metro Atlanta county to discover two unauthorized water lines leading into the facility and a bill to the company for $147,000.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The discovery of unauthorized water lines at Georgia's largest data center in Fayetteville raises concerns about the facility's impact on local resources. As the county's water system director initially suggested, the presence of these lines without proper inspection or knowledge could have significant implications for the community. However, Fayette County's subsequent clarification and QTS's explanation of the water use for construction purposes have somewhat alleviated these concerns. Nevertheless, the sheer volume of water used by QTS, equivalent to 11 Georgia Aquariums, is noteworthy. The company's plan to implement a closed-loop system by 2030, which will significantly reduce water consumption, is a positive step. As data centers continue to proliferate in the state, with at least 160 sites statewide, it is crucial for local authorities to ensure that these facilities are using resources responsibly and transparently. Fayette County's experience serves as a test case for balancing economic development with environmental stewardship.
About this story
Original reporting by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: business ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News ·
Reading time: 6 min
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What is this story about? FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Complaints about low water pressure near Georgia’s largest data center led a metro Atlanta county to discover two unauthorized water lines leading into the facility and a bill to the company for $147,000. But now, Fayette County is walking back accusations...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ciara Cummings at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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