As data center development accelerates across Central Ohio, the City of Columbus is evaluating non-potable water reuse as a strategy to support industrial growth while preserving drinking water supplies.

During a presentation at the American Water Works Association’s ACE26 conference in Washington, D.C., Grace McInerney of the Columbus Division of Water outlined the utility’s ongoing reuse master planning efforts and how growing demand from data centers is influencing long-term water resource planning.

Data centers driving new water planning conversations

Columbus is one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States, having added more than 100,000 residents between 2010 and 2020. The region is projected to exceed 3 million residents by 2050. At the same time, Central Ohio has emerged as a major data center hub, with the majority of Ohio’s estimated 200 data centers located in the region. Major hyperscale operators including Microsoft, Meta, Google and Amazon have established facilities there, while Intel is developing a large semiconductor manufacturing complex.

McInerney noted that data centers typically seek locations with available land, power, water and fiber infrastructure — conditions that have made Central Ohio attractive for continued expansion.

The rapid growth comes as the region experiences increasing water supply concerns. Columbus experienced back-to-back drought years in 2024 and 2025, including severe drought conditions and the region’s longest late-summer dry spell in more than 80 years.

Reuse identified as a key supply strategy

To address future demand, Columbus is constructing a new 48-mgd Little Walnut Water Plant, planning two additional reservoirs and evaluating new groundwater sources. The utility is also developing a non-potable water reuse master plan with support from CDM Smith.

The study focuses on using treated wastewater effluent as a source for industrial reuse applications, including cooling water for data centers, industrial processes and irrigation. According to McInerney, reuse can help extend freshwater supplies while improving water security, sustainability and resilience.

As part of the study, Columbus conducted a market analysis to identify potential recycled water customers. Data centers ranked among the strongest candidates for reuse adoption, reflecting both their substantial cooling demands and corporate sustainability goals. McInerney said hyperscale operators have expressed interest in using recycled water when it is available.