The excessive water usage by the QTS data center has exacerbated water shortages in Fayetteville, affecting local residents who are already facing restrictions due to drought conditions. Weak water pressure and conservation mandates have frustrated the community, especially as the data center remains the largest consumer of water in the county. The drought has also heightened wildfire risks across Georgia, further stressing local resources. Residents fear prolonged high water usage during the data center's construction phase, which could last another three to five years, and are concerned about the lack of penalties for the initial unbilled consumption.