CLOSED-LOOP ONLY • NO WASTEWATER LOOPHOLES • PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE IS NOT A DATA CENTER HEAT SINK

Water + wastewater ordinance page

Do not allow data centers to use Chesapeake's sewer system as a cooling-water discharge path.

Thermal discharge

CDC says Legionella grows best between 77°F and 113°F. Modern AI liquid-cooling systems can use coolant at 113°F and industry is moving toward hotter operating temperatures.

Capacity

Clean water still creates a public cost when sent to the wrong system. Chesapeake manages stormwater separately because extra water can consume capacity and create downstream problems.

Closed loop

Mandate closed-loop cooling systems with zero cooling-water discharge for all data centers.

Any discharge

Any discharge should be cooled below 77°F at the site outlet, continuously monitored, approved in writing, and paid for by the applicant.

Drop-in amendment language

  1. All data centers in Chesapeake shall use closed-loop cooling systems with zero cooling-water discharge.
  2. No data center shall discharge routine cooling water, process water, blowdown, or heated industrial wastewater into the sanitary sewer, stormwater system, or receiving infrastructure.
  3. Any discharge shall be cooled below 77°F at the site outlet, continuously monitored for temperature and flow, approved in writing by HRSD and Chesapeake Public Utilities, and paid for entirely by the applicant.
  4. This standard shall apply to every data center in Chesapeake, including any site shown on the map as buildable by right.

Sources