Denver Data Center Could Draw 805,000 Gallons of Water Daily, Raising Infrastructure Stakes
According to The Colorado Sun, developer CoreSite has confirmed its planned north Denver data center could consume up to 805,000 gallons of water daily for cooling if all three buildings are completed. The facility, which could cover up to 590,000 square feet at East 49th Avenue and Race Street, has drawn criticism over community engagement. Denver passed a yearlong moratorium on new data centers in May and declared a Stage 1 drought, triggering watering restrictions. For context, Denver Water reports a single-family home uses roughly 200 gallons per day.
What It Means for Subcontractors
- Water and civil subcontractors should watch this site closely. A facility this size requires substantial utility infrastructure, and the moratorium’s eventual lift will likely trigger a fast-tracked permitting and construction push.
- The drought declaration and Stage 1 restrictions signal that water management planning will be a growing compliance requirement on large commercial projects across the Denver metro.
- CoreSite already operates two downtown Denver data centers, suggesting an active regional pipeline for mechanical, electrical, and site work subs with data center experience.
