Poll: North Dakotans worry data centers will strain power, water

Worries over how adding new data centers in the state could impact the electric bills of residents and strain local water systems are high, the latest North Dakota Poll has found. When asked how concerned they were about data centers increasing electricity bills, 76% expressed concern, with 49% saying they were very concerned. The highest levels of concern were in Fargo and Cass County, where 54% said they were very concerned. Water use is also high on the list of concerns, with 76% worried that data center water use could strain local water systems, and with 45% of respondents saying they were very concerned. Poll: Support mixed for data centers, state asked to take lead Asked whether they were more concerned about the water and electricity use of AI data centers or traditional data centers, 42% said they were more concerned about AI data centers.

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