We increasingly hear about new hyperscale data centers being proposed throughout the region. The incredibly confusing and contradictory information about data centers water used forced Scott Kuykendall, McHenry County Water Resources Specialist, to spend much of the past year intensely studying how these systems actually work. Scott will explain where drinking water in Illinois comes from, discuss the opportunities and constraints of these water resources, and share what he has learned about the rapidly evolving data center industries use of water.
Scott Kuykendall is the Water Resources Specialist for McHenry County. He oversees the County’s scientific studies on groundwater, helps develop water resources policy, maintains the County’s environmental compliance, and provides education and outreach. Prior to joining the County, Scott had over 20 years of experience as an environmental scientist for firms specializing in environmental engineering, and ecology. Scott is a member of many organizations dedicated to water resources management, natural areas restoration, and sustainability. Scott earned a bachelor’s degree in Geography from Southern Illinois University and a Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management and Sustainability from the Illinois Institute of Technology.