QTS Pledges $1 Billion for Water Stewardship
QTS water stewardship pledge commits $1 billion to infrastructure, conservation and watershed restoration, including projects in Texas.
QTS has pledged $1 billion for water infrastructure, conservation and watershed restoration projects as it works toward becoming water positive by 2035. The data center operator plans to restore, replenish or protect more water than it withdraws in current operations. Its first major state-level commitment includes $250 million for Texas water infrastructure and conservation projects over the next decade, alongside a planned $15 million investment with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation. QTS will direct funding toward locally defined watershed needs, including leak reduction, wetland restoration and water-system upgrades.
Water Positive By 2035
The pledge combines reduced operational water demand, water reuse where practical, and investment in local replenishment projects. QTS said projects will be developed with community input, while results will be independently verified and published.
Its Water-Free Cooling Design has been used since 2019 and relies on a closed-loop system that does not require ongoing water consumption for cooling. QTS plans to continue deploying the design at new developments.
Tag Greason and David Robey, Co-CEOs at QTS, said:
“Water is becoming a defining issue for the future of digital infrastructure. We believe the best approach starts with using less water. Our Water-Free Cooling Design significantly reduces water use, and this $1 billion commitment will help communities strengthen local water infrastructure and protect resources for the long term.”
Texas Investment Program
QTS plans to invest $250 million in Texas water infrastructure and conservation projects over the next 10 years. The program includes replacement of the aging water tower in Turkey, Texas.
The company also plans to provide $15 million over the same period with Bonneville Environmental Foundation for water conservation and replenishment work across Texas. Planned activities include leak detection, habitat restoration and irrigation-efficiency improvements.
Tag Greason and David Robey, Co-CEOs at QTS, said:
“This commitment reflects our belief that growth and stewardship go hand in hand. Our goal is to help communities strengthen the water systems they depend on while continuing to support the growth of digital infrastructure.”
Local Watershed Projects
QTS said its investments will reflect regional water conditions rather than follow a single project model. The company expects to announce further water stewardship projects, partnerships and progress updates as the initiative develops.
Sara Hoversten, Senior Director, Business for Water Stewardship at Bonneville Environmental Foundation, said:
“Watersheds in Texas and across the West support communities, ecosystems and industries that are important to the entire country. Protecting and sustaining them requires collaboration across sectors — bringing together investment from businesses like QTS with technical expertise and the knowledge and voices from local communities. We look forward to working with QTS and local partners to support water resilience solutions that meet communities' specific needs and deliver lasting benefits.”
