Quantica Plans Deep Aquifer Water Use for Broadview, Montana Data Center

Quantica’s Broadview data center plans to use 20,000 gallons of water daily from a deep aquifer.

Quantica, with Big Sky Digital Infrastructure as operator, announced the water sourcing and cooling approach for its Broadview data center project in Yellowstone County, Montana. This is a significant structural detail given the scale of water and power use involved in such large data centers.

The facility will employ closed-loop cooling technology drawing water from the Deep Madison Group Aquifer, located 4,000 to 5,000 feet underground, well below the Eagle Aquifer relied upon by neighbors. The campus is projected to use 1,100 megawatts of power, with an application for 7,235 megawatts capacity pending before the Montana Public Service Commission. Water usage during peak construction could reach 150,000 gallons per day, but ongoing operations will use around 20,000 gallons daily. Damon Obie, general counsel for Big Sky Digital Infrastructure, emphasized their commitment to protecting Montana’s water resources and engaging with the community.

The project remains in early stages of exploring long-term water availability options for local farmers and ranchers while continuing community outreach.

Given Montana’s reliance on groundwater for agriculture and rural life, Quantica’s use of a deep, hydraulically isolated aquifer could mitigate some local water concerns. However, the sheer scale of energy and water use may prompt ongoing scrutiny from residents and regulators familiar with the state’s delicate balance between development and natural resource stewardship.

Quantica outlines proposed water usage for Broadview data center
By Shelly Molaschi, KTVH

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