Smart Water Use

Our data center partners and local communities carefully plan for water use, investing in infrastructure and conservation strategies that support long-term community needs.

Microsoft +
West Des Moines

Accounted for only 2.4% of total municipal water usage in 2025 vs. 30% used to water lawns

Contributed $25 million to build a new water tower and treated-water storage facility to use for peak demand

Plans to be water positive by 2030, returning more water to local watersheds than it uses

Google's Council Bluffs data center draws from the Missouri River floodplain aquifer to cool its facility. "That's as good as it gets. It's constantly replenished and has a big volume," said Iowa State Geologist Keith Schilling in an Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance news article.

Since 2024, Google has contributed $5.5 million to Iowa water quality and stewardship programs.

"They [Microsoft's local team] care deeply about our natural resources and our environment as well as our community. They are very active and involved in our community, showing up to chamber events, contributing, and working with nonprofits, the city and conservation groups to improve our environment, the lives of our citizens and the well-being of our community.”
– Russ Trimble, Mayor, West Des Moines, Iowa

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