Florida is preparing for a wave of new data centers driven by surging demand for artificial intelligence and cloud computing. These facilities bring new jobs and investment, but they also come with infrastructure demands that require careful planning. The enormous electric load data centers require is always top of mind. Less discussed are the major water resources needed. Large data centers often use hundreds of thousands of gallons of water each day for cooling purposes. This reality places new pressure on local water systems that are already stretched thin. Other states offer cautionary examples. In Newton County, Georgia, a single data center now accounts for roughly 10% of the county’s daily water use. Regional planners have warned that without major investments in water reuse and supply upgrades, the region could face a water deficit within the decade. Residents living nearby have reported wells running dry and changes in water quality. Local governments are left scrambling to fund new infrastructure to keep pace with industrial demand. Florida can learn from experiences like this and plan better. The state’s choice does not need to be between economic growth and water securi
