Richmond and Henrico leaders urge water conservation, say data centers are not exempt

Drought conditions have pushed water reservoirs well below normal levels, prompting Richmond and Henrico County officials to ask all customers — including data centers — to reduce usage.

The announcement drew questions from residents, including concerns about whether data centers were being held to the same standard. Influencer Molly Bish raised the issue in a video posted to social media.

"You're expecting the entire population of Richmond to adjust their lifestyle for limiting their water usage however no where in your press release there was not a single mention on what the plan is for data centers. What daily caps do they have for water usage?" Bish said.

Richmond's Department of Public Utilities responded with a statement making clear no entity is exempt from the request.

Henrico County, one of several localities that sources water from the James River, echoed that position. Bentley Chan with Henrico County's Department of Public Utilities said the conservation request applies to everyone.

Click here to continue reading on WTVR.com, a Henrico Citizen partner organization.