This bill mandates the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the short and long-term effects of water use by large-scale data centers. The study will assess various factors, including the impact of water use on drinking water systems, wastewater systems, and the environment, as well as the operational efficiency and costs associated with these data centers. Specifically, the evaluation will cover short-term effects over the past three years, long-term effects over the past seven years, anticipated future impacts, and any efforts to reduce water usage. The DEP will also analyze feasible water use reduction strategies and any other relevant information deemed necessary for a thorough study.

The bill requires the DEP to submit a written report of its findings to the Governor and the Legislature within fifteen months of the act's effective date. Additionally, the Commissioner of Environmental Protection is empowered to include recommendations for legislative improvements regarding water use by large-scale data centers in the report. The act will take effect immediately and will expire upon the submission of the report.