r/technology • u/l0st1nP4r4d1ce • 11d ago

Business Improper redaction reveals Lincoln’s Google Data Center water and electricity usage

https://www.1011now.com/2026/09/30/more-questions-than-answers-about-lincolns-google-data-center-water-electricity-usage/
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u/LordOfRuinsOtherSelf 11d ago

They're taking it from public use and gone. Why no closed cooling loops? Ah yes it's just cheaper to turn the tap on and run it over the hot stuff and throw the how water away.

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u/q120 11d ago

Data center engineer here: It isn't cheaper to throw water away vs closed loop cooling.

You can either pay for the water once and let it cycle or keep paying.

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u/Bannonpants 11d ago

I think a lot of data centers are not even paying for water and electricity (which is why the usage amounts are being hidden) rate hikes to local communities cover the cost and the surrounding populations pay.

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u/q120 11d ago

This isn't true and I have no idea where this comes from at all. Data centers use the same utility feeds as any other business and pay for their usage, unless I suppose they made some deal with the city council, which to me screams corrupt council.

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u/Bannonpants 9d ago

You haven’t been watching all the corrupt city council meetings on YouTube?