Held Atlanta proposal would prohibit municipal drinking-water use for routine data-center cooling

A held Atlanta ordinance proposes requiring data centers to transition to closed-loop water-cooling systems and prohibiting potable municipal water for routine cooling. Ordinance 26-O-1474 covers facilities within Atlanta and data centers served by the city’s water system through wholesale or intergovernmental service agreements.

The proposal addresses new and existing facilities and would direct the Department of Watershed Management to incorporate the requirements into applicable permits, service agreements, development agreements and water contracts. It also requests coordination with municipalities receiving Atlanta water and provides for exemptions in limited circumstances.

The agenda lists the ordinance among held papers and records an Aug. 25, 2026, hold at the administration’s request. The record supports proposed cooling restrictions, not enacted requirements.