City orders restaurants to only serve water upon request as data center density grows

The Denver Board of Water Commissioners has implemented water restrictions on businesses and residents, signaling potential drought conditions as data center density grows in the city. 

What's happening?

CBS News reported that an unseasonably warm winter with near-record low snowpack led Denver Water spokesperson Todd Hartman to say that conservation is critical. 

As the city now aims to reduce water use by 20% over the next year, and has put these measures in effect through April 30, 2027, part of the solution has been to ask restaurants to serve water only upon request. 

"When the city and the state are putting restrictions like that on you, they're doing it for a reason," said Juan Padro, who owns upward of 20 restaurants, coffee shops, and bars across Denver impacted by these restrictions. 

The restrictions affect not only indoor water use but also limit the amount of water available for lawns, gardens, and nonessential businesses. 

"People need to find ways to save water by not using excessive water outside or inside," Hartman explained.

How are the restrictions signs of a wider problem?

The recent warm winter considerably reduced the snowpack, which is vital for the state and its water supply. The policy's goal is to encourage water conservation and reduce the risk of future water-scarcity-related crises. 

If alternative water sources remain limited, communities could face challenges, including rising water costs, which could lead to housing issues and threaten clean energy initiatives.

Drought conditions can also disrupt agricultural production, affecting food availability and the livelihoods of farmworkers, ultimately impacting the broader community and environment.

A post on social platform X linking to the announcement of restaurant water restrictions pointed out that while locals and businesses are taking the brunt, the city houses nearly 50 data centers. 

Which of these savings plans for rooftop solar panels would be most appealing for you? Save $1,000 this year 💸 Save less this year but $20k in 10 years 💰 Save less in 10 years but $80k in 20 years 🤑 Couldn't pay me to go solar 😒 Click your choice to see results and earn rewards to spend on home upgrades.

"Hm," the caption stated succinctly. 

Hm https://t.co/kxmLnDOPCQ pic.twitter.com/rHe8lh9zYv

— Swaggy Unc, IQ 267 (@swaggyunc) March 31, 2026

Data centers are known to use an enormous amount of water. While most of the comments pointed out that low snowpack is the primary driver of the water shortage, the correlation with data center density is worth noting. They also certainly won't help conserve water. 

"Data centers and water scarcity in the same city is a recipe for trouble," one commenter said. 

What's being done to help?

Despite the uncertainty, Padro hopes early conservation efforts will help prevent stricter measures later, according to CBS News.

"Everybody needs to be patient," he said. "These businesses are doing their best to comply with what the city and state are asking us to do. I think it's an opportunity for the community to come together and help solve a problem."

As a member of a community affected by water shortages, there are several effective ways to reduce water use and the strain on water infrastructure. You can also educate yourself on climate issues and vote for candidates who take into account factors like data centers' environmental impact when voting on policies or restrictions.

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.