The company plans for closed-loop cooling at the Big Sky Campus to minimize water use
Billings, Mont. (August 31, 2026) – Big Sky Digital Infrastructure (BSDI) – a Quantica Infrastructure company focused on responsible development that protects Montana’s way of life, pays its own way for power, creates good jobs, and invests in local communities – today announced its water use plans for the 1,100 MW Big Sky Campus near Broadview. The company expects to use closed-loop cooling technology, resulting in projected water usage of 20,000 gallons per day (GPD) once the construction of the Campus is completed.
Closed-Loop Cooling to Minimize Consumption
A closed-loop solution means the site will use minimal water for cooling. Closed-loop systems are initially charged during commissioning and do not require routine water replenishment during normal operations. A modern closed-loop cooling system works much like the radiator in your car. Instead of continuously using and replacing water, closed-loop systems have fluid circulate through a sealed system, absorb heat, release that heat through cooling equipment, and then return to repeat the process.
Water for Workforce and Construction
During construction, BSDI will use water for its workforce and other construction needs. Total water usage is expected to be phased and eventually peak at a maximum consumption of 150,000 GPD to ensure adequate water for its workers’ domestic uses and needs. The water use will then decrease as construction gets closer to completion, with 20,000 GPD during operations.
The 150,000 GPD to be consumed at peak construction is less than that of a 300-room medical center and half the water use of an average American irrigated golf course during peak season. The 20,000 GPD usage expected at full build-out of the Big Sky Campus can be approximately half the water use of a 200-room hotel.
Using Deep Madison Group Aquifer
BSDI plans to develop a deep well in the Madison Group Aquifer at an approximate depth of 4,000 to 5,000 feet below ground surface, and about 1,300 feet below the shallower Eagle Aquifer. Because the two aquifers are not hydraulically connected, water withdrawals from the Madison will not affect wells drawing from the Eagle Aquifer. By sourcing water from this deeper, underutilized aquifer, BSDI is taking a proactive approach to avoiding impacts on existing local water users.
To meet the maximum consumption of 150,000 GPD, the well will require a maximum pumping rate of 160 gallons per minute based on a 16-hour per day pumping period.
Long-Term Water for the Community
The company is in the early stages of evaluating opportunities to make water available to the surrounding communities and neighboring farmers and ranchers in the long-term. All water usage will be in accordance with applicable Montana laws, including requirements of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC).
“We have stated early on, we have four pillars for responsible development – the first pillar being Protecting Our Montana Way of Life. This includes our natural resources. We’re deploying closed-loop cooling technology, investing in water sources that do not interfere with local water needs, and we are in early planning to evaluate making water available to our neighbors, and we plan to work with local counties to help make this possible,” says John Chesser, Chief Executive Officer of Big Sky Digital Infrastructure.
“I grew up on a ranch in Montana, so I know what water means here, you don’t take it for granted,” says Damon Obie, General Counsel of Big Sky Digital Infrastructure. “We designed the Big Sky Campus to use minimal water and to source it deep underground, away from the wells our neighbors rely on. Protecting Montana’s water is a responsibility we take seriously, and we’ll keep engaging openly with the community on water and other topics as the project progresses.”
BSDI plans to continue providing additional information related to water infrastructure and permitting as the project progresses.
For more information about The Big Sky Campus, visit bigskydigitalinfra.com.
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About Big Sky Digital Infrastructure
Big Sky Digital Infrastructure, a Quantica company, is dedicated to advancing Montana’s role in the digital economy by developing world-class infrastructure that connects communities to the future. By utilizing abundant renewable energy sources and strategic geographic location, Big Sky delivers scalable, sustainable, and resilient solutions for AI, hyperscale, and data center operators. Rooted in local values and driven by a vision for statewide growth, Big Sky is building the foundation for enduring opportunity and innovation across the region. For more information, see bigskydigitalinfra.com.
About Quantica Infrastructure
Quantica Infrastructure delivers integrated digital infrastructure solutions by combining permitted land, robust power, and resilient network routes for AI, hyperscale, and data center operators across the U.S. For more information, see quanticainfra.com.
Media Contact for Quantica Infrastructure:
Travis Hall, Statewide Communications
Email: travis.hall@quanticainfra.com