Dekalb County Issues Forum

Why Do Data Centers Matter?

Data centers are essential to powering the everyday tools and services we rely on. Whether it’s checking your bank balance online, connecting with family over video chat, using social media, or streaming a movie, none would be possible without data center infrastructure. On a bigger scale, businesses, hospitals, schools, and governments all rely on these facilities to run critical systems securely and reliably.

What Economic Benefits Do They Bring to Communities?

Data centers bring both direct and indirect economic benefits. Locally, they contribute significant property and business taxes, which can help fund schools, emergency services, and other public infrastructure.

Why Are Data Centers Located Where They Are?

Data center sites are carefully chosen based on several factors. Reliable access to electricity and high-capacity fiber networks are essential since downtime or connectivity issues can have enormous consequences. Communities that offer stable power, favorable zoning, and a skilled workforce tend to attract investment.

Will the data center’s water use affect our community supply?

Like many large facilities, data centers can use water for cooling. However, today’s facilities are designed with technologies that significantly reduce water demand compared to older approaches. For example, across the industry some operators have adopted systems that recycle and reuse water, or advanced cooling techniques that require little to no new water intake.

Are There Health Risks from Data Centers?

No. One common question is whether electromagnetic fields (“EMFs”) from data centers are harmful. The answer is no, data centers use non-ionizing electromagnetic fields, the same type produced by household appliances such as microwaves and Wi-Fi routers. There is no evidence linking these to cancer or health risks.