Possibility of a Data Center Cause for Concern in Cochise County

Cochise County seems like the place to build these days. The quest to build here has raised concerns about the possible environmental impact of these industries.

Aluminum Dynamis is moving forward with the highly controversial aluminum recycling plant despite organized community opposition. That may be just the beginning of the new builds here in our arid county.

READ MORE: Concern Over Proposed Aluminum Plant in Benson

Plans for a Data Center in Cochise County

Cochise County is exploring allowing someone to build a new data center, raising concerns in the community about water use in our region.

According to the Arizona Department of Water Resources, groundwater levels in many parts of the Willcox basin are dropping sharply. This is leading to problems with land subsidence and underground fissures. A lot of citizens are surprised that such water-intensive development is even being considered in our area.

Cochise County officials have opened a conversation about data centers. We’re watching carefully to see how much water they intend to use, which could sway opinions.

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According to a report from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, large data centers can consume as much as 5 million gallons of water per day, which is similar to the daily water use of a town with 10,000 to 50,000 people. It is difficult to imagine this is even being planned here, where every drop of water counts.

Zoning Laws Are Being Reviewed

To be clear, there isn’t a company that’s currently seeking to build a data center here. Yet. According to the Cochise County Planning and Zoning Commission, the board consists of nine members appointed by the Board of Supervisors for four-year terms.

Cochise County’s current zoning rules can make it easy for outside developers to establish operations, especially when compared to areas like Phoenix, Mesa, or Maricopa County, which tend to have stricter regulations. targeted data‑center zoning.

That’s why the county is now scrambling to draft new regulations that define “data center,” require special-use permits, and set performance standards.

READ MORE: Could Water Issues Close Fort Huachuca?

Residents Aren’t Buying It

Concerns range from groundwater depletion to massive power demands. Citizens across Cochise County are concerned that the county’s quest for economic development could overshadow long‑term sustainability.

For now, concerned citizens are raising their voices, asking for tighter rules and greater transparency, and they’re skeptical that the benefits will outweigh the costs.