Overview
Data centers are among the most water-intensive industrial facilities, using millions of gallons daily for cooling systems. At full expansion, the IronGate facilities on Bielenberg Drive could dramatically increase Woodbury's water consumption during a period of documented drought stress.
Critical Context (Aug 17, 2026): Woodbury's watershed entered Minnesota DNR Drought Warning Phase on August 17, 2026 — the same month the interim ordinance was approved. Summer water use was already at 71% of firm capacity, with restrictions triggered at 93% and a full ban at 96%.
Water Consumption: IronGate's Usage
What We Know:
- 401 Bielenberg: Marketed as "closed-loop" cooling system (less water than open towers, but still significant)
- 500 Bielenberg: Discharge to sanitary sewer (10 MW operational + 24 MW planned)
- Actual consumption figures: NOT PUBLICLY DISCLOSED
What We Don't Know:
- Gallons per day (GPD) for each facility
- Seasonal variation in water demand
- Impact on municipal water supply at full build-out (100 MW)
- Cooling tower discharge composition and contaminants
Data Gap: John Sebastian's August 2026 fact sheet estimated ~80,000 homes' worth of electricity at 100 MW build-out, but water consumption remains unquantified by the developer.
Woodbury's Water Supply Context
| Metric |
Current Status (Aug 2026) |
Risk Level |
| Drinking water source |
20 groundwater wells; zero surface water |
100% dependent on groundwater |
| Drought status |
Drought Warning Phase (Aug 17, 2026) |
2 steps from full emergency |
| Summer water use |
71% of firm capacity |
Approaching critical threshold |
| Restriction triggers |
93% = restrictions; 96% = full ban |
Only 22–25% capacity cushion |
| PFAS treatment plant |
Temporary blending system (2026) |
Permanent plant not online until 2028 |
Timing concern: Full data center build-out is planned before permanent PFAS treatment is in place. Any discharge contamination adds burden to temporary system.
Key Questions for Interim Ordinance Study
Water Consumption:
- What is the actual water consumption (GPD) at 401 and 500 Bielenberg?
- How does this compare to Woodbury's residential and commercial baseline?
- What percentage of firm water capacity would full build-out (100 MW) consume?
Discharge & Contamination:
- What biocides and corrosion inhibitors are used in cooling towers?
- Where does discharge go (sanitary sewer, stormwater, on-site treatment)?
- Has water quality testing been done post-expansion?
Drought & Supply:
- Will water restrictions apply equally to data centers and residents?
- What is the coordination with St. Croix River watershed management during droughts?
- Can Woodbury's groundwater sustain both residential demand AND data center expansion during drought years?
Related Investigation Areas
Stormwater & Sewer Capacity: 500 Bielenberg discharges cooling water to sanitary sewer. At full build-out, this could strain municipal treatment capacity. Met Council SAC (Stormwater Abatement Charge) determinations should be reviewed.
Groundwater Depletion: Twenty wells support a city of ~70,000 residents. Data center water draw during drought cycles could trigger restrictions on residential use.
PFAS Contamination: Temporary blending system is in place until 2028. Cooling tower discharge could complicate PFAS management during this transition.