LETTER – Water security must come ahead of AI data centres

Kamloops sits in the heart of British Columbia’s semi-arid Interior, surrounded by grasslands, dry hillsides and a landscape where water is precious. We know what drought looks like. We know what it means when water supplies come under pressure. We have asked residents to restrict lawn watering and conserve water because our resources are not unlimited.

Against this reality, why are we considering welcoming AI data centres that can consume millions of litres of water annually? How can we justify placing additional demands on our water supply while asking residents, businesses and farmers to conserve?

This is not an argument against technological progress or economic development. Artificial intelligence is changing the world, and data centres will undoubtedly play an important role in its future. But we need to ask whether Kamloops is the right place for an industry with such substantial demands on water and electricity.

AI data centres are not ordinary commercial buildings. Thousands of powerful computer processors operate continuously, generating enormous amounts of heat. Keeping them cool requires sophisticated systems, some of which consume considerable quantities of water through evaporation.

The International Energy Agency has highlighted the substantial water requirements associated with data centres, including the indirect water used in electricity generation. Even newer cooling technologies designed to reduce water consumption do not necessarily eliminate the demand.

Consider our local circumstances. Kamloops experiences hot, dry summers, recurring drought conditions and increasing wildfire risk. Agriculture, natural ecosystems and our growing population all depend on a reliable water supply.

There is something fundamentally contradictory about asking residents to conserve a limited resource while encouraging industrial development that places additional demands on that same resource.

Electricity presents another concern. AI facilities operate around the clock and require enormous amounts of power. Additional demand can place pressure on BC Hydro’s generation and transmission infrastructure. Furthermore, cooling systems that reduce water consumption can require more electricity. We need to consider both resources together.

Then there is the economic argument. Proponents point to millions of dollars in investment, technological innovation, tax revenue and economic diversification. These are legitimate considerations, but the value of a corporate investment is not necessarily the economic benefit delivered to local residents.

How many permanent jobs will actually be created? What will the annual municipal tax contribution be? Will taxpayers be responsible for infrastructure upgrades? As we have seen with the larger water pipeline installed to serve TRU AI Centre.  Are companies receiving incentives or preferential utility arrangements?

I believe responsible development requires looking beyond the immediate attraction of investment. We must consider long-term consequences for our community.

Before approving further AI data centre development, Council should establish a comprehensive policy requiring transparent reporting of water and electricity consumption, independent monitoring, enforceable drought-related restrictions, and full disclosure of infrastructure costs and municipal benefits.

Most importantly, residential drinking water, essential services and environmental needs must take priority over industrial consumption.

We cannot continue planning as though water, electricity and infrastructure are unlimited commodities. A corporation’s responsibility is to its shareholders. Council’s responsibility is to its residents.

If water conservation is important enough to restrict residents, what justification do we have for allowing industrial development to place additional demands on that same resource?

Economic development matters, but not every investment is necessarily a good investment for Kamloops. Our water security and the long-term interests of residents must come first.