What it’s really like to live near a data center

As AI continues to develop, there is a growing need for additional data centers to house the large number of computers needed to run the technology. These massive facilities store all the servers and networking equipment, while providing electricity and water for cooling. The construction of new centers has a significant impact on surrounding communities, and one only needs to quickly scroll through TikTok or Instagram to find videos of people living near a data center.

Turns out they’re not excited about this, because data centers do a lot more than consume electricity and water. Television news regularly airs reports of city council meetings talking about what it means to live in the shadow of a data center or one that may soon be built. Videos show homeowners saying it sounds like constant noise all day and that the centers have increased their electricity and water bills and are even forcing some residents to leave their homes. Many data centers are equipped with diesel generators which neighbors say are noisy, ruining the once peaceful lives of the owners.

Much data and research has been done on the impact of AI data centers on the environment. Large sites owned by tech giants, such as Amazon’s data centers, reportedly use billions of gallons of water per year. Where once there were peaceful pastures and farmland, data centers have taken advantage of rural areas’ low real estate and utility costs, turning these areas into a nightmare for some people. According to Newsweek, there are data centers in all 50 states.

For those who live near a data center, the reality of living near a data center is not great. In the case of one Indiana family, they say a data center is the reason neighboring homes were purchased and then demolished to make way for what could be Amazon’s largest data center in the United States. Still, there are those who don’t mind AI data centers being built or already in their area, as has been highlighted in Reddit communities.

A family in Georgia says a previously built data center is now forcing them out of their home as the utility company adds new transmission lines to their property. The owner of the video claims the city is taking his house using eminent domain, which states that the government can take private property and turn it into public use. This story made national headlines on CBS, where it was reported that Georgia Power’s need for additional infrastructure was forcing several homeowners to abandon their homes or reduce their property lines, as revealed in a TikTok video.

For homeowners and residents, AI data centers are a growing concern, but if you are concerned about an AI data center being built in your city, there are things you can do: attend community meetings and connect with local politicians to discuss the topic. Social media, as is the case in Georgia, is also a powerful tool for getting the message out. It may not have allowed the Georgia family to keep their home, but it showed how strong a person’s voice can be. The original video detailing what Georgia Power does has over 21,500 comments and 1.3 million likes. Reddit users say attending and speaking at city council meetings, voting in elections, and communicating with local government leaders are some ways to get involved.

There may also be a way for you to see if an AI data center will be built in your city and state. Check your local news channels to see if they have any updates on new construction or proposed ideas for building it where you live. You may even be able to watch city council meetings live or attend them in person in your area.