Even though North Carolina is already grappling with drought conditions and growing concerns over electricity costs, ads promoting data centers are popping up across the state. And judging by the reaction online, locals aren’t exactly thrilled. With these massive facilities already facing criticism over their water and energy demands, the latest advertising push has left some residents questioning whose interests are really being served.
It’s worth emphasizing that data centers require enormous amounts of electricity to power their servers, while some also use significant quantities of water to keep their equipment cool. That’s particularly concerning in North Carolina, where ongoing drought conditions are already putting pressure on water supplies. In fact, Durham officials recently warned that the city’s reservoirs had just 78 days of easily accessible water remaining, raising further questions about the impact of future developments.
Interestingly, the latest discussion began when a North Carolina Reddit user claimed they’d encountered three ads promoting data centers in a single day. Sharing an example with the r/NorthCarolina community, the user questioned why so many of these advertisements were appearing in their feed. And they weren’t alone, with other commenters reporting similar experiences and questioning the sudden promotional push.
As it turns out, there’s some serious money behind the push to promote data centers in North Carolina. According to WRAL, North Carolina Connects spent more than $367,000 on billboards, television, and audio ads highlighting the economic benefits of these facilities. The campaign is backed in part by the Data Center Coalition, an industry group whose members include major tech companies such as Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft.
North Carolina Locals Question Data Center Ads Amid Growing Water Concerns
The ads certainly haven’t gone down well with everyone. One frustrated Reddit user wrote, “I saw one about all the jobs that the data centers will create. The propaganda machine is in full swing.”
Another was equally unimpressed, stating, “I report every single one of them.” Meanwhile, someone who had encountered the ads elsewhere added, “I’ve seen their TV ads plastered all over Pluto TV.”
Others were more concerned about the potential environmental impact. “The whole state is in a drought. No to new data centers!” argued one commenter. Another pointed to Durham’s water situation, writing, “With Durham down to 80 days of water and the drought still statewide, let’s not give whatever tech baron behind these the last of our already corporate polluted water let alone energy.”
However, not everyone was entirely opposed to the facilities themselves. One user offered a more measured perspective: “I mean, sure we’re always gonna have data centers, they’re needed for everything we do online, but what’s got people upset is the massive increase in building them specifically for AI [expletive].“
Ultimately, North Carolina’s data center debate isn’t going away anytime soon. And with water supplies already under pressure, flashy ads and promises of new jobs might not be enough to win locals over.
