Idaho Legislature – VOTE MAYBE on H0895 - Data centers, water use, cooling. Needs amendments to protect all water users (Posted: 03/17/26)

• Link: legislature.idaho.gov/s…

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Summary (ai assisted)

Grok analysis link: grok.com/share/c2hhcmQt…

H0895 limits consumptive water use for cooling by data centers starting construction on or after July 1, 2026.

Legislative Findings and Intent

Data centers require significant water. This use:

• Conflicts with the local public interest.

• Is contrary to conservation of water resources.

• Adversely affects the local economy if the place of use is outside the watershed of origin.

The director of the Department of Water Resources must consider these findings when reviewing new appropriations or transfers for data centers.

Water Use Limitations

Data centers use of water for cooling purposes as a consumptive is as follows:

• Allowed: Municipal water system, water district water system, water and sewer district water system.

• Prohibited for consumptive cooling: All other sources, including direct appropriations, groundwater wells, or any non-district supplies.

Reason for Recommendation to VOTE MAYBE on H0895. Needs amendments to protect all water users.

H0895 is a good start, but it still allows data centers to take water from municipal water systems, water district water systems, and water and sewer district water systems. This puts a burden on ratepayers and could result in water shortages for municipal and water district users, who have no say in placement of data centers or how much water they use.

While H0895 may benefit farmers and ranchers whose water comes from rivers and wells, it doesn’t protect others from having data centers guzzle their water.

We recommend this bill be amended to provide protections for those who draw water from municipal water systems, water district water systems, and water and sewer district water systems.

Related

• Idaho Legislature 2026 Bills to Support or Oppose: tinyurl.com/yc2jpkeh