VirginiaData centers would capture roof rainwater for non-drinking uses
If adopted, the proposal would require new data centers and major expansions to capture and use roof rainwater, with certified people designing and checking the systems.
What it does
New data centers and those expanding their footprint by more than 10 percent would need to capture runoff from at least 30 percent of the roof and use it for needs such as irrigation or removing heat.
A person certified by the American Society of Sanitary Engineering would have to design, install, and periodically inspect each required system to ensure it meets safety and performance standards.
Argument forUsing rainwater for irrigation or to remove heat could reduce data centers’ use of drinking-quality water for those tasks.
Argument againstBuilders could face extra design, installation, and inspection work because a certified person must check each required system over time.
More detail
New data centers and qualifying expansions would need rainwater harvesting systems. This applies to new data centers and to expansions that increase a data center’s footprint by more than 10 percent. The system must capture runoff from at least 30 percent of the data center’s total roof area. The harvested rainwater must be used for needs that do not require drinking-quality water, such as irrigation or removing heat from data center equipment.
A certified person would have to design, install, and periodically inspect each required system. This applies to rainwater harvesting systems required for data center construction or qualifying expansion. The person must be certified by the American Society of Sanitary Engineering. The system must meet safety and performance standards.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jul 21Continued from last sessionLatest
- Feb 3Continued to next session in Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources (12-Y 2-N)
- Feb 3Senate subcommittee offered
- Feb 3Assigned HACNR sub: Water UsageMinor
- Jan 23Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB521)
- Jan 13Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural ResourcesMinor
- Jan 13Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26102641DIntroduced
Environment & EnergyTechnology