Imagine a region gripped by drought, yet becoming a global hub for massive data centers. In Querétaro, Mexico, the tech boom is creating a paradox: is vital water being diverted for servers instead of citizens? Local activists are raising serious questions about who truly benefits. What price do communities pay for technological advancement?
In the arid landscapes of Querétaro, Mexico, a significant paradox is unfolding: while the region grapples with its most severe drought in a century, it is simultaneously burgeoning into a critical hub for massive, water-intensive data centers, drawing sharp criticism from local activists and environmental groups.
Querétaro has swiftly become recognized as Mexico’s burgeoning data center capital, attracting substantial foreign investment. Companies like Ascenty, Latin America’s largest data center operator, have established multiple large-scale facilities, with forecasts indicating over $10 billion in data center-related investment pouring into the state within the next decade. This rapid expansion is largely fueled by the escalating global demand for artificial intelligence, which necessitates an unprecedented acceleration in data center construction.
The strategic appeal of Querétaro stems from several factors, including its relative proximity to Mexico City and excellent connectivity to high-speed data cables, enabling rapid data transfer. Furthermore, the capacity constraints of the power grid in the United States are compelling tech giants to seek alternative locations, with Mexico offering attractive incentives such as lower land and energy costs, coupled with business-friendly policies.
However, the operational requirements of these facilities introduce a critical environmental challenge. Data centers generate immense heat, necessitating elaborate cooling systems that often consume vast quantities of water. While some operators, like Microsoft, claim to utilize direct outdoor air for cooling for a significant portion of the year to minimize water usage, the sheer scale of overall consumption by major data center owners remains a profound concern.
This increased water demand exacerbates an already dire situation for Querétaro, which endured a historic drought last year. The resulting water scarcity has severely impacted agricultural production and critically strained water supplies to numerous local communities, creating a direct conflict between industrial growth and fundamental human needs.
Local activists, including Teresa Roldán, voice profound frustration over what they perceive as a lack of transparency and a prioritization of private industry over citizen welfare. Residents report difficulties in obtaining clear information regarding data center water usage, fueling accusations that precious water resources are being disproportionately allocated to corporations in these drought-stricken zones, while ordinary citizens face compromised water quality and availability.
Claudia Romero Herrara, founder of Bajo Tierra Museo del Agua, expresses deep concern over the state’s broader water issues, emphasizing that a region already facing a complex water crisis should prioritize water for basic human disposal. She argues for guaranteeing fundamental water needs before considering allocation for other economic activities, pointing to a two-decade-long conflict of interest in public water policy.
In defense, a spokesperson for the Querétaro state government asserts that water is unequivocally for citizen consumption, not industry, clarifying that municipalities lack the authority for water allocation or quality assignment. They maintain that such responsibilities lie solely with the National Water Commission, thereby deflecting direct accountability for the current contentious distribution. Beyond water, experts also highlight the recognized danger of diesel pollutants emitted by data centers, contributing to broader environmental concerns as this technological expansion continues unchecked.
