Water requirements for Meta’s Toledo town data center released

Details regarding Meta's water consumption at a planned data center in Toledo have been released, revealing that yearly the facility will guzzle an estimated 660 million gallons of water. 

The facility was given the green light by Castilla-La Mancha back in March as a PSI, due to the economic impact it's projected to have on the local economy. According to reports, approximately €1 billion will be injected into the development, which is to occupy a 125-hectare plot of land and will employ 250 highly-qualified workers. 

Back in March, the President of the Regional Government of Castile-La Emiliano García-Page said: "Today is a D-day for Talavera. This initiative will mean a before and after for the city, and that is just beginning. It is going to change the social and economic metabolism of the autonomous community."

However, significant concerns are being raised about the development being pursued in such a drought-prone area of Toledo. Already, the region is experiencing shortages, with the water resources of the Tagus River under pressure. The Hydrographic Confederation of the Tagus is also reportedly in a pre-alert situation. Yet, the data center is predicted to use as much water as 4,181 people each day. 

To raise awareness around the environmental and social impact of the facility, Tu Nube Seca Mi Río (your cloud dries up my river) was initiated. According to the group, Talavera de la Reina was chosen due to its small population and high unemployment rate, which it said made the company's investment in the facility and surrounding area attractive for leaders in the region. 

According to the group, the data center will only be one kilometer from the Sierra de San Vicente and Valles del Tiétar and the special protected natural area of Alberche; it says the facility will have a hugely detrimental impact on the birds that live there. 

Construction on the facility is expected to start at the end of 2023 and last six to seven years.