Ypsilanti Township Approves Moratorium on Supplying Water to Data Centers

The township is concerned about the environmental and infrastructure impacts of large data center projects.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:54pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a polished, geometric water faucet fixture made of brushed stainless steel, set against a clean, monochromatic white background with dramatic studio lighting casting deep shadows, conceptually representing the complex issues surrounding water usage and the need for careful resource management.As data centers seek to tap into Michigan's water resources, local communities demand thorough assessments of the long-term impacts on critical infrastructure.Ypsilanti Today

The Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a resolution calling for a 12-month pause on providing water for data centers. The board is opposed to a $1.2-billion data center project proposed by the University of Michigan and Los Alamos National Laboratory, citing concerns over the facility's water usage, wastewater, and potential to transform the township into a target for terrorists. The resolution urges the Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority (YCUA) to conduct environmental and water system studies before committing to serve data centers or large computing facilities.

Why it matters

The township's move highlights growing concerns over the environmental and infrastructure impacts of data centers, which can consume massive amounts of water and energy. As more data centers seek to locate in Michigan due to its water resources and tax incentives, local communities are pushing back and demanding more thorough assessments of the long-term effects on their water systems, wastewater treatment, and overall community resources.

The details

The resolution approved by the Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees calls for a 12-month pause on providing water to data centers. The board is specifically opposed to a $1.2-billion data center project proposed by the University of Michigan and Los Alamos National Laboratory, which could use up to 500,000 gallons of water per day. The resolution urges the YCUA to conduct several studies recommended by industry groups to evaluate the long-term capacity of the drinking water, wastewater, and sewer systems, as well as the financial and environmental impacts of serving large data centers.

  • The Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees unanimously approved the resolution on Wednesday, April 18, 2026.
  • The YCUA board is set to address the township's request for a moratorium at its April 22, 2026 meeting.

The players

Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees

The governing body of Ypsilanti Township, Michigan that unanimously approved the resolution calling for a moratorium on providing water to data centers.

Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority (YCUA)

The utility that supplies drinking water and sewer services to multiple communities in Washtenaw and Wayne counties, including Ypsilanti Township.

University of Michigan

A public university that has proposed a $1.2-billion data center project in Ypsilanti Township that could use up to 500,000 gallons of water per day.

Los Alamos National Laboratory

A U.S. Department of Energy research laboratory that is partnering with the University of Michigan on the proposed data center project.

Thor Equities

A real estate development firm that has proposed another data center project in Augusta Township, which is also within YCUA's service territory.

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What they’re saying

“You're borrowing this land, these resources, from future generations … you have the absolute responsibility to ensure that what you return to the waters is going to be safe.”

— Doug Winters, Ypsilanti Township Attorney

“The stress that the state of Michigan has put on not only our residents, but on all residents in the state of Michigan, it's unforgivable.”

— Brenda Stumbo, Ypsilanti Township Supervisor

What’s next

The YCUA board will address the township's request for a moratorium at its April 22, 2026 meeting. If the moratorium is approved, the utility will need to complete the recommended environmental and water system studies before committing to serve any new data centers or large computing facilities.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing tension between local communities and the data center industry, as townships seek to protect their limited water resources and infrastructure from being overwhelmed by the massive demands of these facilities. It underscores the need for comprehensive environmental and capacity assessments before approving new data center projects, especially in water-stressed regions.