Water is essential to rural life. It sustains households, agriculture, local economies, and the natural environments that communities depend on. As AI data centers expand into rural America, questions about how water is used, managed, and protected are becoming increasingly important.
For communities already navigating aging infrastructure, water affordability, drought, flooding, and growing demands on local resources, the arrival of large-scale data centers introduces new considerations. How much water will these facilities require? Can existing infrastructure meet future demand? And how can rural communities balance economic opportunities with the long-term protection of their water resources?
These are not questions with simple answers, and every community faces different circumstances.
That’s why the 2026 Rural Renaissance Roadshow, November 4–6 in Decatur, Alabama, is bringing water to the forefront of the conversation. Through four dedicated Water Track sessions, Groundswell is convening water policy experts, infrastructure leaders, and community advocates to explore the challenges, opportunities, and decisions shaping the future of rural water.
The conversations will examine water use and reuse in data centers, featuring Dr. Christopher J. Manganiello, Water Policy Director at Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, and long-term water infrastructure planning, featuring Hope Florence Cupit, CEO of the Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project (SERCAP).
The track will also explore rural flood resilience featuring Dr. Chetan Kumar, Staff Scientist, Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab), from preparedness through recovery, recognizing that protecting water resources means preparing communities for both growing demand and extreme weather.
Rounding out the track is “Water Is Life: Indigenous Perspectives on Water Stewardship, AI Infrastructure, and the Future of Rural Communities.” Moderated by Jourdan Bennett-Begaye, Digital News Director of ICT, the conversation will feature Nicholas Courtney of the National Fund for Excellence in American Indian Education and Matt Dannenberg of the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy, bringing perspectives on stewardship, infrastructure development, and community self-determination.
Together, these conversations reflect a central question facing rural America: How can communities shape the development happening around them while safeguarding the water resources they depend on?
Groundswell’s Rural Renaissance Roadshow is creating space for those conversations, connecting local leaders with experienced voices, practical insights, and one another as they consider what responsible development looks like for their communities.
Water is life, and its future deserves a place at the center of the conversation.
Join us at the 2026 Rural Renaissance Roadshow.
November 4–6, 2026 | Decatur, Alabama
The Big Picture: Planning Strategies For Sustainable Water Infrastructure
Hope Florence Cupit
CEO, Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project (SERCAP)
A rural infrastructure and community development advocate, Hope leads efforts to improve water and wastewater systems in underserved rural communities. A Certified Public Accountant, she brings expertise in financial management, infrastructure investment, and community advocacy.
Under Pressure: Water Use And Reuse In Data Centers
Dr. Christopher J. Manganiello
Water Policy Director, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper
A water policy and environmental advocate, Chris leads efforts to protect clean water supplies through regional planning, research, and legislative initiatives. An accomplished author and policy expert, he brings extensive experience in water sustainability, resource management, and environmental protection.
Under Pressure: Water Use And Reuse In Data Centers
Dr. Chetan Kumar
Staff Scientist, Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab)
An AI and data science researcher, Dr. Kumar specializes in machine learning, predictive modeling, and real-world applications. His work focuses on AI-driven flood forecasting, using advanced technology to improve disaster preparedness and strengthen community resilience.
Water Is Life: Indigenous Perspectives on Water Stewardship, AI Infrastructure, and the Future of Rural Communities
Matt Dannenberg (Bad River Band of Chippewa)
Head of Partnerships, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy
A clean energy and climate advocate, Matt has led renewable energy and tribal engagement projects in government and nonprofits. He served in the Biden administration’s Department of Energy, focusing on tribal energy and environmental programs.
Save your spot and join this vital conversation on water, tribal sovereignty, local self-determination, and AI in rural America.
Bring Your Experience to the Conversation
If you are a local elected official, utility or energy leader, economic development professional, community leader, landowner, or someone helping shape the future of rural communities, the Rural Renaissance Roadshow is an opportunity to connect with peers and explore how communities are navigating growth, infrastructure, affordability, resilience, and local economic opportunity.
The Roadshow brings together leaders and practitioners with different perspectives to share experience, build relationships, and better understand the choices rural communities face at the Data Center Crossroads. We hope you’ll join the conversation and bring your own experience, questions, and perspective to the table.
November 4–6, 2026
Cook Museum of Natural Science
Decatur, Alabama
