Data Center Series: Water Use and Cooling
This event is available on-demand. If you have any issues accessing the recording, please email nacomeetings@naco.org.
As the third session in NACo's Fall Data Center Series, this call will focus on understanding water use and cooling of data centers.
Subject matter experts and local leaders will break down the fundamentals of data center water use by explaining common cooling technologies, the sourcing of water and approaches that counties can use to inform local decision-making. The session will pair expert presentations with facilitated Q&A while setting aside time for counties to connect and share experiences.
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U.S. House passes 2026 Water Resources Development Act
On July 14, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee favorably reported H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA) by a bipartisan 66-0 vote. The bill now awaits consideration by the full House of Representatives. The WRDA 2026 markup was originally scheduled for July 1 but was rescheduled to July 14 due to changes to the House calendar.
Senate Agriculture Committee passes Farm Bill
On September 16, the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee held a markup of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the Senate's version of the 2026 Farm Bill.
U.S. House begins reauthorization process for Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program
On August 27, leaders on the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce announced the beginning of the reauthorization process for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) by circulating a discussion draft of the Safe Drinking Water Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2026. The discussion draft would reauthorize the DWSRF through fiscal year (FY) 2031 and authorize $1.126 billion annually for the program.
U.S. Department of Energy announces cancellation of National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors
On August 12, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced it would not continue the designation process for three proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETCs). The cancellation means that DOE is not actively considering any NIETCs, which preempt state and county siting authority for energy infrastructure.
U.S. EPA releases guidance for compliance with lead pipe removal requirements
On August 21, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released additional guidance for water systems to comply with the 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LRCI). The guidance comes as water systems face a November 1, 2027, deadline to complete a baseline inventory of water service line materials and begin replacing service lines. The guidance provides further directions on how to assess, identify and access service lines to comply with the rule.
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