We Need to Talk About Water
THE DICKERSON DATA CENTER PROPOSAL
We Need to Talk About Water
l 5 HYPERSCALE DATA CENTERS ON 110 ACRES ALONG THE C & O CANAL
Atmosphere, a data center development company from California, is proposing five hyperscale data center buildings on the site of the old Pepco coal plant to be used by Amazon Web Services.
l WATER WITHDRAWAL
Atmosphere has applied for a permit with the State to withdraw up to two million gallons per day from the Potomac River. Their own fact sheet says 67 % will be lost to evaporation. The company also says river water is only used above 75 ° F, meaning the data center will draw water when the river is at its lowest. Existing data centers already use 12 % of the river in summer months.
The Potomac is the driest it has been in 131 years.
l“ CLOSED LOOP” RELIES ON BLEACH
River water is cycled through the cooling system three to six times before discharge.
“ The only chemical used is a targeted oxidant( sodium hypochlorite) [ bleach ] for biological control. Sodium hypochlorite is fully neutralized prior to discharge [ into the river ].”
The waste water will be trucked to an as yet undisclosed location. Bleach will be manufactured and stored on site.
l WATER DISCHARGE
“ Before discharge, water is treated to ensure no residual sodium hypochlorite [ bleach ] remains and the temperature and water quality meet strict State permit requirements.”
“ Maximum discharge of approximately 480,000 gallons per day.”
These are just the concerns about water. More info on health, air and power impacts at Mocoalliance. org / news
l ZTA 26-01 TO ALLOW DATA CENTERS MOVES TO A VOTE
Currently data centers do not have a zoning classification in the County. Councilmembers Gonzalez, Balcombe and Sayles have proposed allowing data centers in all industrial zones of the county— over 2,000 acres.
The zoning change as written does not have safeguards for water, power use or emissions but amendments are being crafted to tentatively have a vote in July 2026. We are proposing amendments that add strong standards, including water protection.
l MORATORIUMS PROPOSED
Councilmembers Glass and Jawando have introduced moratoriums on data center permitting for six months and two years respectively, to give time to craft solid zoning and regulations for hyperscale data centers in the County.
WHAT NOW?
Some Councilmembers see data centers as a solution to county budget holes. More information is needed to understand the impacts. Where is the cost benefit analysis?
1. Scan the QR code and use our tool to write to the Council today and make your voice heard to urge strong standards and regulations.
2. Join your neighbors for a public hearing on both moratorium proposals at the Council on June 16th.
48 plenty I summer growing 2026