In a special meeting held on June 30, 2025, the Henrico Board of Supervisors and Richmond City Council convened to address pressing issues surrounding water usage and infrastructure in the face of increasing demands from data centers. The discussions highlighted the significant environmental impact of these facilities, particularly their water consumption, which has surged dramatically in recent years.

One council member raised concerns about the staggering water usage associated with data centers, citing a statistic that a single AI-generated prompt can consume as much water as a bottle. This alarming trend is not isolated to Virginia; similar issues are being reported in Texas, where a looming water shortage is exacerbated by the proliferation of data centers. In Loudoun County, data centers consumed 900 million gallons of water in 2023, while Northern Virginia's total reached 2 billion gallons—a 63% increase since 2019.

The council member emphasized the need for transparency and accountability regarding water projections and infrastructure investments. While Richmond is not currently building data centers, the implications of surrounding counties' developments could lead to increased costs for Richmond residents. The discussion underscored the necessity for a third-party assessment of the region's water infrastructure, particularly as Richmond's aging water treatment plant and Henrico's deteriorating pipes require urgent attention.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the importance of equity in water access across neighborhoods, ensuring that all residents have reliable access to clean water. The council member expressed disappointment that the recent May water advisory incident, which affected all residents in their district, did not receive adequate attention during the meeting. This incident highlighted the need for improved communication and coordination between local governments regarding water management.

The discussions also included the potential impact on local workers, particularly in light of upcoming labor negotiations. The council member stressed the importance of maintaining fair wages for workers involved in water management and treatment, advocating against shifting labor to areas that may offer lower pay.

As the meeting concluded, the need for a regional partnership to address combined sewage overflow issues was emphasized, recognizing the shared responsibilities between Richmond and Henrico. The council member called for more public discussions and votes on key decisions affecting water management, ensuring that residents have a voice in matters that directly impact their lives.

Overall, the meeting served as a critical platform for addressing the challenges posed by data centers and the urgent need for collaborative solutions to ensure sustainable water management in the region. The anticipated next steps include further discussions on infrastructure investments and the establishment of an advisory commission to guide future actions.