An AI Data Center Project for Finney County and Water Use

MORE TIMELY THAN YOU THINK
A center pivot sprinkler pumping water on crops in southwest Kansas. Calen Moore/Kansas News Service
A center pivot sprinkler pumping water on crops in southwest Kansas. Calen Moore/Kansas News Service

Massive data centers powering artificial intelligence have sprouted across the country in recent years, drawing opposition for their water consumption. But in rural Kansas, boosters of one project argue that it could represent a huge savings in water use compared to irrigated farming. FINNEY COUNTY, Kansas — Ann Gravatt and Jesse Gronner shook hands, offered food and fielded questions from people …