NARROWSBURG, NY — The Upper Delaware Council is hosting a public presentation Tuesday evening to examine how proposed data centers could impact water resources in the Delaware River Basin.
The session, titled “Data Centers in the Delaware River Basin: Update,” will be led by Amanda Khalil, a water resource scientist with the Delaware River Basin Commission. Khalil will provide an update on the growing number of data center proposals in the region and their potential implications for water supply and energy production.
Data Center Growth in Northeast Pennsylvania
Northeastern Pennsylvania has seen a wave of proposed data center projects, including six planned campuses in Archbald, Lackawanna County — the highest concentration of any municipality in Pennsylvania. Residents have raised concerns about noise, air quality, and water use, as data centers often operate 24/7 and rely on significant cooling systems that require water.
Khalil noted that the DRBC currently tracks 24 proposed data centers across the Delaware River Basin, including 18 in Pennsylvania. While none currently draw water directly from rivers within the basin, their reliance on public water supplies and electricity consumption could have indirect impacts on regional water resources.
Understanding Water Use and Energy Demands
One focus of the presentation will be the connection between data center energy needs and water use. Much of the basin’s water is already tied to thermoelectric power generation. As data centers increase demand for electricity, water use for energy production could rise as well.
Khalil emphasized the importance of residents understanding local proposals:
“Understanding what’s truly happening in your own community can help regulate your reaction and understand what’s really going on,” she said, encouraging engagement with local planning and zoning boards.
Attend the Presentation
The presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Upper Delaware Council office in Narrowsburg, New York. It will also be accessible via Zoom. Residents can request a link or learn more by visiting upperdelawarecouncil.org. Additional information on DRBC water management is available at DRBC.gov .
Image: A “no data centers” sign sits in front of a home in Valley View Estates, PA, which is set to be surrounded by data centers. (Rebecca Egan McCarthy / Grist )