Bipartisan Senate push aims to reduce water waste at data centers

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🗞️ Driving the news: A bipartisan group of U.S. senators, led by Ben Ray Luján (D., N.M.) and Katie Britt (R., Ala.), introduced the Advancing Water Reuse Act, proposing a 30% investment tax credit for data centers, manufacturers, and other water-intensive industries that install water-reuse infrastructure
• The bill aims to reduce freshwater consumption, bolster community resilience, and encourage sustainable industrial practices amid worsening drought conditions

🔭 The context: Data centers can use up to 5 million gallons of water daily for cooling, comparable to the consumption of small towns
• The legislation complements prior House efforts and is supported by major corporations and trade groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and PepsiCo
• The EPA is also promoting water-reuse initiatives for industrial facilities and agriculture, reflecting growing concern over water scarcity in the western and southern U.S.

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Encouraging on-site and municipal water-recycling systems mitigates the environmental impact of high-demand industries
• It conserves freshwater ecosystems, reduces stress on rivers and aquifers, and helps communities and agriculture adapt to prolonged drought conditions

⏭️ What’s next: The bill is expected to proceed through Senate committee review, potentially awaiting House reconciliation
• Businesses and local authorities are likely to explore scaling water-reuse systems in parallel, especially in regions most affected by drought

💬 One quote: “Businesses need local, reliable and cost-effective strategies to protect water resources in the communities where they operate.” — Bruno Pigott, Executive Director, WateReuse Association

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