Cary weighs temporary halt on new data centers to examine possible affects on water sources
CARY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Cary officials are considering a temporary pause on new data center construction as town leaders examine how the fastgrowing industry could affect local water resources, including Jordan Lake.
During a Thursday night meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush led a discussion on whether the town should move forward with a moratorium on new data center development. Bush said the issue carries particular weight for Cary because "we do have some industrial area and some green field space where a data center could be built, but more importantly, Jordan Lake is our watershed. It is our drinking water."
Town leaders said a pause would give staff time to study longterm impacts, especially potential strain on water supplies. Town attorney Lisa Glover told council members that the first step would be directing staff to prepare a report outlining a recommended timeline for a moratorium. "How long would it last, and you would have a public hearing on that and vote on that at a future council meeting," Glover said.
Even as scrutiny of data centers grows, Cary continues to market itself as a hub for tech infrastructure. Hitachi Energy, for example, is planning a multimilliondollar facility in town to support power needs for AI data centers.
Some residents and visitors expressed concern about the pace of development. "I think they're pushing it too fast," said Jeremiah Jirik, who was visiting Cary from Alaska.
Others said they want more research before additional projects move forward.
"The cost of the housing here, the resources being consumed, the land," said Cary resident Tom Sweeney. "I think we're getting a little bit ahead of ourselves. So I would like to just see a little more research done on it before we move on."
Communities across central North Carolina have recently taken similar steps. Apex approved a 12month moratorium, while Orange and Chatham counties have enacted their own pauses on data center growth.
Download the ABC11 News app for breaking news alerts
Cary would still need to hold a public hearing and complete a formal approval process before any moratorium could take effect.
SEE ALSO | North Carolina House committee advances bill targeting data center impacts
