Resident urges Denver to impose permanent moratorium on data centers over water and energy concerns

Julia Testoianova used the public-comment period to urge the Denver City and County Council to implement a permanent moratorium on data centers, saying the facilities place heavy demands on local water and electricity supplies and can drive up utility bills for nearby households.

Testoianova cited examples from other regions—referred to generally as “data center alley” in Virginia—where she said electricity bills have risen substantially as a result of large data-center buildouts. She told the council that Denver Water asks residents to conserve water during shortages and that similar conservation expectations should apply to data centers.

Her ask to the council was narrow and procedural: extend the current moratorium and consider making it permanent to protect vulnerable neighbors and preserve local water and energy resources.

No council response or vote was recorded during the public-comment period.