By April Ehrlich | Jan. 23, 2026 | Oregon Public Broadcasting
Last week, OPB published an investigation into The Dalles’ efforts to expand its water reservoir in the Mount Hood National Forest at the same time that Google expands its footprint in the north-central Oregon city.
OPB’s reporting covered two agreements signed between The Dalles and Google in 2021. One would guarantee Google’s access to a certain amount of water every year to help cool two new data center buildings. In a second deal, Google agreed to transfer about $28.5 million in water infrastructure to The Dalles. OPB’s reporting showed how Google uses a third of the overall water consumed by the city.
Find the rest of this story at the Oregon Public Broadcasting website, originally posted Jan. 23, 2026. WaterWatch of Oregon makes no claim to this story or content. Banner photo courtesy of the City of The Dalles.