Kevin O'Leary Denies Data Center Will Drain Great Salt Lake, Calls Claims 'Misinformation'
May 10, 2026
Kevin O'Leary Denies Data Center Will Drain Great Salt Lake, Calls Claims 'Misinformation'
Kevin O'Leary, the investor and television personality known as Mr. Wonderful from Shark Tank, has pushed back against growing public opposition to his proposed data center in Utah, denying that the project would drain the Great Salt Lake. In a public statement, O'Leary dismissed concerns as "misinformation" and sought to reassure residents about the facility's environmental impact.
The data center, which was recently approved by county commissioners in Box Elder County, has drawn significant backlash from Utahns who fear the massive facility could exacerbate water shortages in a region already grappling with drought and a shrinking Great Salt Lake. O'Leary responded directly to these concerns, stating: "There's lots of rumors that we're going to suck the Great Salt Lake dry. That's ridiculous. Of course that's not gonna happen. In fact, if anything, we'll be adding to the Great Salt Lake because the water rights on that land will be used."
O'Leary also noted that one hyperscaler had suggested using air cooling technology for the facility, which would eliminate water consumption entirely. "There's lots of different optionality here, but the rhetoric around that site is just a lot of misinformation," he said in a post. The project comes at a tense time for Utah, following a record-breaking warm winter that has set the stage for a drought-ridden summer. Experts are already predicting more wildfires than usual, and water conservation measures are being implemented ahead of the official start of the season.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox initially defended the project, emphasizing its potential for economic growth and contributions to national security. However, amid mounting pressure from environmental advocates and the public, Cox later addressed water concerns directly. He announced that he had directed the Utah Department of Natural Resources to "ensure that the most environmentally-sensitive cooling technology is used." Cox added: "All water use must be reported publicly, and in no event will the developer reduce water going to the Great Salt Lake."
The controversy highlights the broader tension between the rapid expansion of data center infrastructure—driven by surging demand for cloud computing and artificial intelligence—and the environmental costs, particularly in water-scarce regions. As data centers become increasingly critical to the digital economy, the industry faces growing scrutiny over its water and energy footprints, especially in states like Utah where water resources are already under pressure from climate change and population growth.
Source: kutv
