Executive Director's Message, Winter 2026

Data Center Water Use: Paying Attention

For much of the Commission’s 55 years of existence, we’ve had a relatively low profile. We quietly work behind the scenes, managing the water resources of our basin often unnoticed, not unsimilar to the quiet river passing by. Many of us that work here are introverted scientists and engineers – we like it that way. But every once in a while something will cause you to pay attention to the river. A flood, an ice jam, an industrial spill, a drought. Data centers are proving to be that something for the Commission as we enter 2026. To be fair, it’s partially our fault. When proposed data centers in the Susquehanna River Basin started hitting the headlines, we were concerned that their potential water usage wasn’t being included in the conversation. So we stepped out of character and went looking for attention. Not attention for the Commission, but attention for the potential effects on the water resources of our basin by an emerging, fast-changing industry.

The last time SRBC was similarly in the spotlight was when hydraulic fracturing moved into the basin, and we made the necessary adjustments to our regulatory framework in order to responsibly regulate an industry that we and the local communities had not seen before. It’s been at least 15 years since then, so please allow me to (re)introduce us. Hi, we’re the Susquehanna River Basin Commission. Maybe you’ve heard of us, but are unsure of what we do. No, we don’t perform river rescues or regulate wastewater discharges. We’re a federal/interstate government agency responsible for managing the water resources of the Susquehanna River Basin without regard to political boundaries. One way we do that is by overseeing large water uses. That’s where we have the potential to interact with data centers, specifically new hyperscale data centers.

On a daily basis, you can find some of our staff applying the best science to evaluate water usage applications, while others are making sure all permit-holders are in compliance. Others are restoring important species like the American Eel, while others still are out in the elements taking water quality samples or monitoring ice jams on the river. We’ve got scientists modeling climate extremes for sound future water resource planning and others forging the way with new science like eDNA. Our employees care deeply about responsible stewardship of our natural resources. We’re outdoors people. We love to fish in the creeks, kayak on the river, hike with our kids. We personally want to see the basin thrive.

Our programs and authorities exist so that all users of the basin’s water resources have reliable, conflict-free, and sustainable water supply for current and future generations, even as demographic, economic, and climate conditions evolve. Whether it be fracking, data centers, or any other as yet unknown industry, we have the necessary technology, knowledge and structure in place to reasonably incorporate progress into the fold while protecting critical water supplies and aquatic ecosystems. So while we’re not used to the media attention, we’re happy to be a resource for anyone willing to give attention to the wellbeing of this great basin we have as our backyard.

To learn more about water use by data centers in the Susquehanna River Basin, please see thisFAQ.

Best regards,
Andrew D. Dehoff, P.E.
Executive Director