Elko New Market Residents to Share Water Concerns at Farmington Forum

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The Coalition for Responsible Data Center Development Fund will host a public meeting in Farmington, Minnesota on April 28 where residents of Elko New Market will share their community's experience with the Niagara water bottling company's project and the water issues they have faced. Speakers will discuss neighborhood impacts, community concerns, and lessons learned through the process.

Why it matters

As more cities consider major industrial projects, questions about water use, infrastructure strain, and long-term environmental impact are becoming increasingly urgent and widely shared. This forum offers residents a chance to learn from the Elko New Market experience and better understand the broader issues communities across Minnesota are now facing.

The details

The public meeting will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Dakota County Library Farmington, Large Meeting Room, 508 Third St. Janelle Kuznia and Veda Kanitz of Elko New Market will share their community's experience with the Niagara water bottling company's project, including how the project came to town, what followed for nearby residents, and where the community's fight stands today. Speakers will also address the water issues Elko New Market residents have faced and why those concerns matter to other communities confronting large-scale, high-water-demand development.

• The public meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

What’s next

The Coalition for Responsible Data Center Development Fund will also provide an update on the lawsuit involving the city of Farmington and answer questions from attendees. The update will cover where the case currently stands, what it could mean for the community, and what residents should know moving forward.