Edged US Unveils Waterless-Cooled AI Data Center in Arizona, Conserving Millions of Gallons Annually
April 7, 2026
In a significant move for the sustainable infrastructure sector, Edged US has officially launched a new, large-scale data center in Mesa, Arizona, specifically engineered for AI and inference workloads. The opening underscores a critical industry shift towards building high-performance computing capacity in water-stressed regions without exacerbating local resource challenges.
The 36-megawatt facility, which commenced operations with support from local stakeholders including Mesa city officials, is designed to support ultra-high compute densities exceeding 400kW per rack using liquid cooling and over 120kW per rack with air cooling. A key partner, Light Source Communications, was the first network provider to build into the site, deploying a dark fiber network to ensure the high-capacity, low-latency connectivity required for AI-driven operations.
A defining feature of the project is its complete elimination of water use for cooling, achieved through the implementation of ThermalWorks waterless cooling technology. This approach is a direct response to Arizona's pressing water constraints, where groundwater accounts for 41% of water use. Edged Phoenix is projected to conserve more than 138 million gallons of water annually. "Given Arizona’s water pressures, building a data centre that requires zero water for cooling isn't just good business. It’s the right thing to do for the region’s long-term health,” said Bryant Farland, President and CEO of Edged US.
The facility also sets a high bar for energy efficiency. Edged US reports an average Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.15 across its portfolio, a figure notably lower than the global average of 1.54 reported by the Uptime Institute. This design translates to a 72% reduction in excess energy consumption compared to typical industry performance.
Local leaders have hailed the project as a model for responsible development. Mesa Mayor Freeman stated, "Edged US shares our commitment to sustainable growth and built a world-class AI facility that uses zero water. That's not just good for business; that's the kind of partner we want helping us elevate Mesa." The development has already generated hundreds of local construction jobs and is expected to provide permanent high-quality tech positions, according to Sally Harrison, President and CEO of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce.
For the industry, the Mesa facility represents a blueprint for aligning the explosive growth of AI infrastructure with environmental stewardship in resource-constrained markets. The plug-and-play liquid cooling integration allows for flexible deployment alongside IT equipment, supporting stable operations under sustained high-intensity demand. Edged US continues its North American expansion, with a gigawatt-scale pipeline of projects across several major markets.
Source: datacentremagazine
