Wyandotte County Confronts Data Center Myths With Facts

Data centers now support almost every part of the U.S. economy. Hospitals rely on them for patient records. Banks use them for transactions. Manufacturers depend on them for logistics and inventory systems. Local governments use them for public safety and utilities.

As interest in data center development grows across the country, public discussion often includes concerns about water use, electricity demand, noise, taxes, and economic value. Some concerns are based on outdated information or assumptions that do not reflect current technology, regulations, or industry practices.

Wyandotte County evaluates every project based on facts, infrastructure capacity, long-term community impact, and local priorities. Understanding how modern data centers operate helps communities make informed decisions. For more in-depth information, you can review the Kansas Commerce Data Center Myth-Busting Reference Guide.

Below are 10 Common Myths About Data Centers and the Facts Behind Them

Myth #1: Community Water Depletion

The misconception that data centers will drain local water supplies assumes outdated technology.

While historical evaporative cooling methods can consume over 500,000 gallons per day for a 100 MW facility, modern engineering offers near-zero-water alternatives. The industry is actively transitioning toward sustainable designs, such as air-cooling and closed-loop liquid systems, which significantly reduce or eliminate freshwater consumption.

• Air-cooled systems: These use zero water for cooling and are considered the gold standard for water-stressed regions.
• Closed-loop liquid cooling: This technology circulates water internally, reducing freshwater intake by up to 70%.
• Industry commitments: Companies like Microsoft and Equinix have pledged to use zero-water evaporation or avoid evaporative cooling in high-stress areas.

Myth #2: Residential Utility Bill Increases

There is a fear that residential customers will subsidize the massive power needs of data centers through higher rates.

However, Kansas law specifically protects taxpayers by requiring large-load users to sign long-term contracts and pay for their own infrastructure upgrades. While national patterns show rising costs in some states, Kansas regulations prohibit direct subsidization and bar data centers from receiving standard economic development energy discounts.

• Long-term contracts: Facilities drawing 75 MW or more must sign 12- to 17-year energy contracts.
• Financial protection: These users must pay at least 80% of contracted demand and post two years of collateral to protect other ratepayers.
• Infrastructure costs: Data centers are responsible for paying for any transmission upgrades required to serve their facilities.

Myth #3: Excessive Noise Levels

The concern that data centers are constantly deafening and will destroy the local quality of life is addressed through modern design and zoning.

While mechanical equipment like cooling systems and backup generators does produce sound, noise at the property line is typically managed to meet local ordinances. Engineering controls and acoustic barriers are standard tools for mitigating these impacts.

• Source noise levels: Exterior cooling equipment generally ranges from 55 to 75 dBA, while backup generators can reach 85 to 100 dBA during rare testing.
• Mitigation technology: Liquid cooling reduces external fan noise, and 30-foot acoustic walls can provide significant sound reduction.
• Zoning requirements: Jurisdictions often require setbacks, such as 200 feet from residential areas, and pre-construction noise studies.

Myth #4: Lack of Buffer Zones and Land Overuse

Critics argue that data centers buy large tracts of land without regard for neighboring properties or buffer zones.

While hyperscale campuses do require significant acreage, buffer zones are a standard engineering practice and are frequently mandated by local ordinances. Proper land-use planning allows communities to manage setbacks and visual impacts effectively.

• Acreage requirements: Hyperscale projects can cover hundreds or even thousands of acres.
• Buffer practices: Developers use vegetative screening, berms, and strategic facility orientation to shield neighbors.
• Proactive policy: Communities can adopt zoning ordinances for setbacks, building heights, and screening before projects are submitted.

Myth #5: Uncontrolled Clustering

The "one-way door" myth holds that approving one facility will inevitably trigger an unstoppable flood of data centers.

Clustering occurs because developers seek established fiber and power infrastructure, but local governments retain full authority over land-use decisions. Growth results from local policy choices rather than uncontrollable market forces.

• Clustering drivers: Proximity to high-voltage transmission and fiber connectivity makes certain areas more attractive.
• Management tools: Localities use zoning designations and site plan reviews to control development.
• Infrastructure limits: Utilities have control over where development of data centers can go based on transmission or grid constraints.

Myth #6: High Volume of Real Inquiries

Communities may feel overwhelmed by data center inquiries, assuming every interest translates into a finalized project.

In reality, technology companies evaluate multiple locations simultaneously, using preliminary inquiries to assess market factors such as power and land availability. Many of these early-stage evaluations never proceed to construction.

• Evaluation process: Companies often use code names and review sites across multiple states before selecting a location.
• Dependency factors: Projects only move forward if transmission capacity, permitting, and market demand align.
• Kansas review: Qualifying projects in Kansas must undergo additional review by the state intelligence and commerce departments.

Myth #7: Toxic Water Pollution

The claim that data centers discharge "black sludge" or toxic industrial waste into local waterways lacks documented evidence.

While some facilities discharge water from cooling systems, this liquid typically contains minerals and small amounts of treatment chemicals, as in other industrial processes. These discharges are strictly regulated by environmental frameworks and utility standards.​

• Discharge characteristics: Blowdown water may contain concentrated dissolved solids and minerals from the cooling process.
• Regulation: Facilities must often obtain National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for discharging into surface waters.

Myth #8: Grid Instability and Blackouts

While massive power draws can pose risks if improperly managed, data centers are not inherently "grid destroyers."

They provide highly predictable loads that help with utility planning, and modern facilities can even support the grid through battery storage and demand response. Risks primarily arise from the concentration of older, inflexible facilities in a single area.

• Predictability: Data centers operate at a steady, forecastable load factor, which is a planning asset for utilities.
• Active grid services: Integrated battery systems allow some facilities to provide frequency regulation and voltage support.
• Fault Ride-Through (FRT): New regulations require facilities to maintain connections during short disturbances rather than dropping the load suddenly.

Myth #9: Economic Dead Ends

The myth that data centers are isolated buildings with no broader economic benefit ignores their role as digital infrastructure anchors.

While they are not large direct employers, they catalyze tech ecosystems and attract ancillary businesses. These benefits are most significant when communities treat negotiations as opportunities to shape their local innovation landscape.

• Sector attraction: Data centers attract cybersecurity firms, cloud service providers, and advanced manufacturing companies.
• Infrastructure catalyst: Development drives regional fiber and telecom expansion, benefiting other local businesses.

Myth #10: Negligible Tax Revenue

The belief that tax revenue does not justify the community trade-offs depends heavily on how local tax policies are structured.

In jurisdictions where full taxation applies to real and personal property, data centers can provide transformational revenue with very low service requirements. When properly negotiated, these facilities can generate tens to hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

• High revenue potential: In Loudoun County, VA, data centers accounted for nearly half of all property tax revenue in 2022, totaling approximately $663 million.
• Efficiency: One analysis found that data centers can provide $26 in tax revenue for every $1 spent on county services.
• Utility sales tax generation: A major revenue driver is taxing capital-intensive equipment such as servers and chillers.

Wyandotte County Evaluates Projects Based on Facts

Data center development calls for careful review. Community leaders must assess infrastructure, land use, fiscal impact, workforce readiness, and long-term utility planning.

Wyandotte County delivers several advantages for digital infrastructure:

• Central U.S. location
• Established industrial corridors
• Access to regional fiber networks
• Proximity to major transportation routes
• Experienced workforce in electrical and mechanical trades

The Wyandotte Economic Development Council works with utilities, local government, and developers to evaluate feasibility and community fit.

Each project undergoes review based on objective criteria. The goal is balanced growth that supports the tax base and infrastructure capacity.

Contact Wyandotte Economic Development Council to discuss Data Center Opportunities

Developers, site selectors, and industry partners can engage early in the planning process. Early coordination reduces uncertainty around power, land use, and infrastructure.

Contact the Wyandotte Economic Development Council to discuss:

• Available sites
• Utility coordination
• Incentive policies
• Workforce data
• Permitting timelines