Water being used for New AI Data Center – Residents Furious
4/1/2025
Reporting by Hannah Dosaqua
Above: Seneca Lake in Watkins Glen this morning.
Late last night New York State officials sent an urgent message to Finger Lakes area politicians telling them to prepare for lower water levels across the region. But this wasn’t a “we’re expecting a bit of a drought” type notice – it was telling them to prepare for water levels to drop by 4-10 feet – or more – as soon as today.
The drastic drop in water levels appears to be connected to F.L.A.I.D.S – the new Finger Lakes Artificial Intelligence Data Supercenter recently opened inside the Bluff on Keuka Lake. This project has largely flown under the radar as the results are less than stellar – 23 jobs created, not the 1,700 initially promised. And as the first project of the newly formed bipartisan S.T.R.E.A.M. Team (“Statewide Team for Republican And Democrat Engagement Across the Map), neither side of the aisle was looking to take credit or place blame.
Because AI computing requires a significant amount of energy – it also requires a significant amount of water to keep the computers cool. And when the F.L.A.I.D.S investors said that they would need “no more than 1% of the water in the Finger Lakes at any given time” it did not seem like a big deal and was approved.
But as it turns out, taking just 1% of the water out of a lake 300 feet deep will drop the water level by a LOT.
Our source tells us “The S.T.R.E.A.M. Team didn’t consult a single engineer or scientist about F.L.A.I.D.S. I mean, the world’s pre-eminent Hydrologist – Henry Howard Ochsgen works at Cornell and they even didn’t bother to call him”.
The latest in Advanced Cooling Technology at F.L.A.I.D.S
This morning the pumps went live on several lakes, allowing residents across the region a glimpse of the new landscape. What they saw was a water level drop of 4-10 feet, and shorelines moved out as far as 75 yards. They were stunned.
At the Olney Place Deli on Keuka Lake, propietor Seth Olney has seen everything from freshwater dolphins to crooked code enforcers and even John Travolta – but he says nothing could have prepared him for this morning.
“It took 7 minutes for the water to drop 6 or 7 feet. My gas dock is now better for an ATV than a boat. It’s going to cost me twenty thousand dollars to extend it – all for 23 lousy jobs”.
The New Reality at the Olney Place on Keuka Lake
Exactly what will happen with the newly created shoreline is unclear – but many seem to believe it may be a matter of simply being the first to claim the land.
By early this morning a steady stream of people were putting up tents and setting out blankets and lawn chairs to claim their spots. And if these land claims hold up in court, the property could be worth millions.
Canandiagua Lake’s Newest Property Owners
After heavy pressure from property owners, the S.T.R.E.A.M. team offered up a temporary solution for one (wealthy) lake. Finger Lakes Aqua Bidding (F.L.A.B.) will allow the lake that raises the most money to get their historical water level for the month of July.
Within hours, funds were pouring in – and so far it looks like it will be a battle of Skaneateles vs Canandaigua. Can Danny Wegman the grocery store King outraise Adam Weitsman the Sultan of Scrap Metal? So far Weitsman is in control.
If you disagree with the actions of F.L.A.I.D.S. or think the F.L.A.B. process is unfair to smaller lakes, Get in touch with State Senator Donny Mazuli of the S.T.R.E.A.M. Team. The Dolphins will thank you.
His email: senatormazuli@gmail.com