VA Senate · SB 553

Certain data from water users; water use consumption for domestic, etc., purposes, data centers.

In plain English (AI summary)

This legislation requires the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to collect and track specific water consumption data from high-volume users, with a primary focus on data centers. As Northern Virginia continues to serve as a global hub for data infrastructure, local officials and residents have expressed concerns regarding the strain these facilities place on regional water resources and existing utility grids. By mandating transparent reporting of water usage for cooling and operational purposes, the state aims to improve long-term planning and sustainability oversight. For Arlington residents, this bill serves as an essential step toward ensuring that rapid technological growth does not compromise the reliability or affordability of local water supplies, providing the data needed to hold industry operators accountable for their environmental footprint.

View original bill

Roll-call votes

Roll call
Mar 14, 2026 · VA House · pass
74 – 22 · 3 other
Full roll call
Adopt Conference Committee Report
Mar 14, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
25 – 14 · 1 other
Full roll call
Accede Conference Committee
Mar 9, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
40 – 0
Full roll call
Concur House Substitute
Mar 4, 2026 · VA Senate · fail
0 – 40
Full roll call
Roll call
Mar 2, 2026 · VA House · pass
81 – 18
Full roll call
Reported from Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources with substitute
Feb 25, 2026 · VA House · pass
18 – 3
Arlington delegation
Full roll call
Passage
Feb 9, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
25 – 15
Arlington delegation
Full roll call
Constitutional reading dispensed
Feb 5, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
40 – 0
Arlington delegation
Full roll call