Written question asked by James McMurdock (Independent (affiliation)) on Friday, 10 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 July 2026. It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Water: Data Centres

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of proposed data centre developments on local water resources in areas experiencing water stress.

Answer: Water companies do not have to supply water to cool data centres. Data centres may be refused a supply connection if there are not sufficient water resources available. Government encourages developers to consider use of non-potable water, to embed water efficiency or water recycling and reuse in their design and contact their proposed water and wastewater supplier early in the planning process to understand and plan for any potential water restrictions.

Secondary information