The article discusses the impact of 199 data centres in Loudoun County, Virginia, which have transformed the area into a hub for data storage and processing. While these centres contribute significantly to the local economy and job market, residents express concerns about noise pollution, rising electricity costs, and the environmental consequences of such industrial developments near their homes.
A leaked internal document reveals Amazon's strategy to keep its data centres' water usage secret, projecting consumption to reach 7.7 billion gallons annually by 2030. Despite concerns over transparency and environmental impact, Amazon has not publicly disclosed its water consumption, focusing instead on controlling potential reputational risks associated with higher figures. The company aims to reduce its primary water use while minimizing public discourse on secondary usage linked to electricity generation.