Debunking Data Centre Myths: What the headlines aren’t telling you
By: Helena Mubiru
Data Centres are critical infrastructure – powering everything from online banking and cloud storage to AI tools and streaming services. As our digital dependency grows, so too does the need for Data Centres.
But not everyone feels positive about their expansion, a recent BBC article, “I can’t drink the water – Life next to a US data centre“, highlights concern from people living near a hyperscale site in rural Georgia, raising issues around water access, environmental impact and how large-scale development affects local communities. Stories like these are common, and while the media plays a valuable role in raising awareness, it can sometimes fuel misconceptions, rather than clarify facts.
Concerns to do with Data Centres deserve attention. But they also show the growing gap between public perception and the realities of the Data Centre (DC) industry. As professionals in this space, we have a responsibility to speak on misinformation, build trust with communities and explain the facts.
Here are 6 myths about Data Centres, and the truths behind them.
Myth 1: Data Centres are destroying local water supplies
Semi-debunked: Water consumption is a fair concern, but context matters. Many modern facilities use closed-loop or air-cooled systems that consume little to no water. Even with evaporative cooling, water use is being optimised:
- A typical hyperscale facility can use between 1 to 5 million gallons of water per day on hot days. However, many modern DCs use closed-loop or air-cooled systems that consume little to no water.
- Even when evaporative cooling is used, which does require water, operators are actively seeking ways to reduce and restore usage. For example, Meta has pledged to be water-positive by 2030, aiming to restore more water to the environment than it consumes across its global operations.
The industry isn’t perfect, but the narrative that all data centres recklessly drain local water supplies isn’t truthful. Context, technology, and regional policy all play a role in how responsible that consumption actually is.
Independent studies have found no direct link between data centres and groundwater contamination, as was the case in the Georgia article, discussing issues around water access. Then there is the rapid innovation that the data centre industry is bringing. If you look at the work of Grundfos to improve PUE and WUE efficiency with technical advancements that support both commercial and sustainable outcomes, that’s just one example. There are plenty more in the market looking at ways not only to help preserve local water supplies, but actually enhance them.
Myth 2: Local communities have no say
Debunked: Data Centre (DC) projects go through months (sometimes years) of permitting and environmental processes, with opportunities for public input from communities. However, with potential delays, operators are recognising the need for earlier and better communication to build trust with local communities.
While it may feel like DC appear overnight, in reality, projects undergo lengthy permitting, zoning, and environmental impact processes. These stages include formal opportunities for public consultation, where residents can raise concerns, influence planning conditions, and even halt developments if standards aren’t met.
That said, the scale and speed of development in the DC sector has sparked pushback in some regions. As highlighted in our 2025 Data Centre Trends Report (DCTR25), there’s a growing recognition among developers that ‘permission’ isn’t the same as ‘partnership’. Operators are investing in early engagement strategies, transparency around community impacts, and shared value programmes – such as funding local infrastructure, job creation or environmental offsets.
Soben Director, Chris Strong, is currently working on a project, and this is what he has to say about engaging with the local community: “We’re planning a scheme to involve local schools by inviting students to design logos for our project PPE. It’s a creative way to connect with the community, spark interest in construction careers, and give young people a sense of ownership and pride in the project. We’re excited to roll it out.”
Myth 3: Data Centres only benefit big tech
Debunked: It’s easy to assume Data Centres are built for big tech – and that only big tech benefits. But the economic ripple effect of a single facility is significant. A large-scale Data Centre can create:
- 1,000+ construction jobs during build phases
- 50 – 200 permanent operations jobs
- Millions in annual local tax revenue
Some operators also fund workforce training, renewable energy projects and community programmes.
In our DCTR25, many developers are now going further – embedding community benefit agreements and legacy investments into their delivery models. This includes:
- Funding vocational training and apprenticeships in construction and digital infrastructure
- Developing renewable energy initiatives that feed into local grids
- Supporting community outreach and social impact programmes
As the industry matures, there’s growing awareness that shared prosperity isn’t just good PR – it’s a prerequisite for long-term license to operate.
Myth 4: AI is making Data Centres less sustainable
Debunked: The rise of AI has led to a surge in compute-heavy workloads, raising valid concerns about sustainability. AI training models require more power than traditional workloads, and some fear that this boom could reverse progress made in green DC design.
But this overlooks a crucial shift: AI is not only consuming energy – it’s helping save it.
Google, for instance, uses AI to optimise its Data Centre operations, resulting in a 30% reduction in cooling energy. Microsoft and Meta are investing heavily in liquid immersion cooling, a breakthrough that uses far less energy and water than traditional air-cooling methods — and is particularly well-suited to high-density AI loads.
Hyperscale operators are doubling down on renewable energy, with ambitious net-zero targets by 2030 or sooner. As the DCT25 highlights, sustainability is no longer optional – it’s the metric by which Data Centre developments are measured. From green procurement practices to grid decarbonisation partnerships, the sector is evolving to ensure that AI-led growth doesn’t come at the planet’s expense.
Myth 5: Data Centres can be built anywhere
Debunked: Building a facility takes skills. Developers consider power grid capacity, fibre access, water availability and climate conditions. For example, cooler regions like the Nordics are becoming Data Centre hubs due to natural free cooling.
This myth comes from a common public concern: that massive Data Centres could pop up unexpectedly in their local area, but the reality is far more complicated. Data centres cannot just be built anywhere. Long permitting timelines and public consultation processes are built into the development cycle, taking time before a spade hits the ground.
Regions with abundant renewable power, land, and forward-thinking infrastructure strategies, such as Scotland, are gaining interest. As found in our Scottish Data Centres report, areas with access to high-capacity wind and hydro power, cool climates that support free-air cooling, are becoming prime candidates for sustainable DC growth. The DCT25 highlights that while hyperscale operators are expanding, their strategies are increasingly shaped by grid capacity, ESG goals and strong local partnerships, not just real estate opportunities.
Myth 6: Data Centres create harmful radiation
Debunked: A fear, but unfounded. Data Centres emit only low-level, non-ionising electromagnetic fields (EMFs) – the same type produced by Wi-Fi routers and household appliances.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there’s no proven health risk from exposure to these levels of EMFs. DCs also follow strict safety regulations to ensure emissions stay far below harmful thresholds.
Put simply, the EMFs from a Data Centre are no more dangerous than everyday electronics in your home.
Moving beyond the headlines
Concerns deserve to be taken seriously. But as the demand for digital services grows, we must separate fact from fiction. The DC industry is evolving rapidly – becoming more sustainable, more innovative and more community-focused. That said, Data Centres are not perfect – and this article isn’t about pretending they are. Operators are working hard to reduce their environmental impact.
At Soben, we help clients worldwide to plan, manage, and deliver Data Centres responsibly – balancing cost, speed and sustainability. From accurate cost forecasting to rigorous quality assurance, we ensure that these facilities meet the highest standards while respecting the communities they serve. The conversation around Data Centres is changing, but it’s time to base that conversation on facts, not fear.
Looking to be a part of this change? Well, we’re hiring! Find out more: sobencc.com/careers