Hanover water

Water is the foundation of life in Hanover County. Protecting it should take precedence over any industrial expansion. Once groundwater is depleted or contaminated, it cannot be restored within our lifetimes. The County must act cautiously and require full transparency, environmental review, and sustainable water guarantees before approving any data center proposal.

Hanover County relies primarily on groundwater wells for its public and private water supply, unlike Henrico County, which uses treated surface water from the James River. The proposed Hunting Hawk data center could pose serious risks to this delicate groundwater system and to the residents who depend on it for drinking, irrigation, and daily use. Here are some questions to ask:

Groundwater vs. Surface Water

Hanover’s homes and farms rely on groundwater from the Chickahominy and Potomac aquifers.
These aquifers have slow recharge rates and are already under strain from residential and agricultural use.
A large data center might require millions of gallons of water per day for cooling—drawing from the same source as residents.

Aquifer Depletion and Well Impacts

Continuous 24/7 water use could lower the groundwater table and could cause nearby wells to run dry.
Residents may need to drill deeper wells at great personal cost, sometimes hitting poor-quality or saline water.
Once an aquifer is overdrawn, it can take decades to recover, if at all.

Contamination and Runoff

High pumping rates can alter groundwater flow, drawing contaminants toward residential wells.
Cooling systems often require chemicals for corrosion and microbial control; leaks or runoff could pollute groundwater.
Impervious surfaces from the facility will increase stormwater runoff, leading to erosion and water pollution.

Strain on County Water Systems

The County may have to drill new wells or extend water lines to serve the facility, increasing costs for residents.
Utility rates could rise if taxpayers end up subsidizing infrastructure expansion or maintenance.
During droughts, industrial users often receive water priority over residential needs.

Environmental and Ecosystem Effects

Lowering the water table reduces baseflow in nearby creeks and wetlands, harming fish and wildlife.
Thermal discharge from cooling systems can heat nearby streams, causing algae blooms and oxygen loss.
Loss of soil moisture and vegetation cover can alter the microclimate and local biodiversity.

Public Health and Property Risks

Diminished or contaminated well water directly could directly impact household health and sanitation.
Property values decline when wells dry up or when there is uncertainty about long-term water security.
Local agriculture and gardens could struggle as groundwater becomes less available or more saline.