Google's Nebraska Data Center Water Use Revealed by Botched Redaction

A botched redaction in an annual report revealed water and power usage at Google's Lincoln, Nebraska data center. The facility uses approximately 13.3 million gallons of water per year, about half of what the city of Lincoln consumes daily. At peak demand, the site requires 52.65 megawatts of electricity, less than 7% of the total summer peak for the entire Lincoln Electric System grid.

The report also showed that Google's three Nebraska facilities expect a combined tax refund of over $117 million in 2025 under the state's sales and use tax exemptions. However, no payment has been received or is expected under this program.