City officials have authorized a major infrastructure agreement with Amazon that will bring a cutting-edge water treatment operation to support the company's planned data center development on Alcovy Road.
The approval marks a significant milestone in Amazon's expansion into Newton County, where the Seattle-based technology corporation acquired 430 acres through multiple transactions valued at $36 million in late 2023. The property sits approximately 40 miles east of downtown Atlanta along the Interstate 20 corridor.
Amazon Web Services, the company's cloud computing division, plans to construct a specialized cooling and water treatment facility designed to minimize environmental impact while supporting high-demand computing operations. Company representatives emphasized the project's innovative approach to resource management and its expected contribution to the local economy.
According to Amazon spokesperson Simone Griffin, the facility incorporates advanced water conservation technology that will limit traditional water usage to just six percent of annual operations. The remaining 94 percent of cooling requirements will rely on ambient air systems, significantly reducing the facility's water consumption footprint.
The infrastructure project represents what Amazon describes as a pioneering reclaimed water system, with all cooling water derived from recycled sources once operations commence. Company officials project the system will preserve approximately 45 million gallons of fresh water each year by 2030, aligning with Amazon's broader environmental commitments.
This development forms part of Amazon's recently announced $11 billion investment across Georgia, a massive infrastructure initiative aimed at expanding cloud computing and artificial intelligence capabilities throughout the state. The broader investment plan is expected to generate more than 550 high-skilled technical positions across multiple counties.
Roger Wehner, vice president of economic development at Amazon Web Services, highlighted Georgia's business climate as a catalyst for the company's expansion plans. State and local government leaders have worked to position the region as an attractive destination for technology infrastructure development.
The Covington facility joins Amazon's growing footprint in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The company has acquired additional parcels in Douglas County and other locations, though specific development plans for those sites have not been disclosed. Amazon Web Services maintains a policy of evaluating locations based on customer demand before making formal announcements.
Newton County officials expressed enthusiasm about the economic impact of hosting such a significant technology operation. Serra Hall, executive director of the Newton County Industrial Development Authority, noted that the project demonstrates the county's emergence as a hub for innovative business development.
The data center sector has experienced explosive growth across the Atlanta region, driven largely by increasing demand for cloud computing services and artificial intelligence applications. Industry analysts identify Atlanta as the nation's fastest-growing market for data center construction, with development pipelines more than tripling since early 2023.
Amazon's investment reflects a broader trend among major technology corporations establishing or expanding data center operations in Georgia. Microsoft has announced plans for multiple facilities in the Atlanta area, including projects in East Point, Palmetto and Douglasville. Google also maintains data center operations within the state.
The company's water conservation initiative represents a strategic response to concerns about infrastructure demands from large-scale computing facilities. Data centers, particularly those designed to support artificial intelligence workloads, require substantial energy and water resources for cooling high-performance computing equipment.
Griffin emphasized that the project will generate substantial new tax revenue for Newton County, supporting funding priorities including education, public safety and infrastructure improvements. The economic benefits are expected to extend beyond direct tax contributions through job creation and supplier relationships.
Amazon's parent company has invested more than $18.5 billion in Georgia since 2010, establishing a significant operational presence that includes distribution centers, technology facilities and corporate offices. The Covington data center represents the company's continued commitment to expanding its footprint in the Southeast.
The facility's location along the I-20 corridor positions it within a rapidly developing industrial and technology zone that has attracted major corporate investments in recent years. The area's proximity to Atlanta, combined with available land and supportive local policies, has made it an attractive destination for large-scale development projects.
Construction timelines and specific operational details for the Covington facility have not been publicly disclosed. Amazon Web Services typically maintains confidentiality around data center specifications for security and competitive reasons, revealing operational information only as facilities approach completion.
As Amazon advances its Georgia expansion, the company continues to pursue its corporate sustainability goals, including a commitment to achieve water-positive operations by 2030. This objective means returning more water to communities than the company consumes across its direct operations globally. According to company reports, Amazon Web Services achieved 54 percent of this target as of 2024.