Hermiston Water Service Agreement with AWS (FAQ)

The City of Hermiston has approved a strategic 25-year water service agreement with Amazon Web Services (AWS), designed to significantly enhance municipal water access. Under this agreement, water from the Columbia River will be pumped during low-demand months and stored underground for availability during peak summer periods. AWS plans to use a portion of this water to cool its data centers, while the city will benefit from an additional 100 million gallons of drinking water each year. All construction costs will be funded by AWS, which will continue to pay standard water rates, ultimately lowering costs for all Hermiston residents. The city anticipates that this collaboration will help stabilize and potentially decrease regional water rates while ensuring a consistent supply for local irrigation needs.

Environmental conservation is another critical aspect of this agreement, as it allows for better management of Columbia River water during peak times, aiding local farmers and fish populations. The project is expected to promote sustainable water practices while supporting the growth of technology infrastructure in the area. This partnership exemplifies how public-private collaborations can address local resource challenges effectively.