AI data center project secretly sucked 29 million gallons of water over 15 months before being detected by residents complaining about low water pressure — officials refuse to fine builders of massive 6.2 million-square-foot facility over unauthorized water use

Fayette County said QTS’s large data center campus near Atlanta drew about 29 million gallons of water through two unmetered connections over several months.

The issue surfaced after nearby residents complained about low water pressure, prompting county scrutiny of the site.

Officials retroactively billed the company for the water but did not issue a fine, citing staffing and procedural problems.

The case underscores how fast-growing data centers can strain local utilities and raise concerns during drought conditions.