Data Center or Disaster Near Great Salt Lake | Salt Lake City News

Salt Lake City News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 17, 2026 · 1m

A massive data center project near the Great Salt Lake is sparking fierce debate over water use, as developers claim advanced cooling will minimize impact—but locals and scientists warn it could devastate the fragile ecosystem. The project could consume up to 1,800 acre-feet of water annually—enough for 5,000 homes—and experts question whether the tech can truly cut usage that much, especially since groundwater and the lake are deeply connected. While developers propose returning excess water to the lake, the plan is costly and logistically complex. As the project pushes ahead, tensions rise…