Proposed
Possible 200 MW data center near Waterford (Project Riverbend)
Also called: Project Riverbend, HashWorks Powered Land Waterford
Records describe a possible 200-megawatt data center for bitcoin mining and AI near Waterford. County leaders signed a secret deal (NDA) and are talking about a full tax break for 15 years. Many residents worry about farmland, water and schools.
Where things stand: County signed a secret deal (NDA) and letter of intent in January 2026. A full tax break is being discussed. No plan approved.
🕒 Latest update (March 2026): HashWorks Powered Land Waterford LLC asked to withdraw up to 25 million gallons a day of surface water.
What we know
- 📍 WhereNear Sparling Road, where Wolf Creek meets the Muskingum River, Waterford, Washington County
- 🏢 CompanyHashWorks Powered Land Waterford LLC (land); companies tied to Sabre 56 and Cipher Digital lease the site
- ⚡ Power it needs200 megawatts (about as much as 160,000 homes)
- 💧 WaterA request was filed to take up to 25 million gallons a day of surface water (a maximum, not actual use)
- 💸 Tax breaksA 100% property tax break for at least 15 years is being discussed with the township and Wolf Creek schools.
- 🤐 Secret deal (NDA)Yes. Washington County commissioners signed an NDA with potential developers in January 2026.
❓ Still unanswered
Nobody has answered these in public yet. Can you help find out?
- Who will own and run the data center? 🙋 I'll find out
- Will the county approve the full tax break? 🙋 I'll find out
- How much water would it actually use from the Muskingum River? 🙋 I'll find out
- When will the promised public meeting be held? 🙋 I'll find out
What happened so far
- May 2025Developers began making offers to buy homes and farms near Sparling Road.
- Jan 22, 2026County commissioners approved a letter of intent and NDA with potential developers.
- Feb 12, 2026Residents packed the commissioners' meeting with concerns.
- March 2026HashWorks Powered Land Waterford LLC asked to withdraw up to 25 million gallons a day of surface water.
🛰️ See it from above
An aerial photo of the area.
Photos: USGS The National Map.
Where this comes from
- Washington County residents pack commissioners meeting over proposed data center · WTAP · Feb 13, 2026
- Proposed data center construction in Waterford sparks debate · Southeast Ohio Magazine · April 27, 2026
- Waterford resident calls for trustee to step down over data center · WOUB Public Media · May 22, 2026
- Waterford resident asks Washington County Commissioners for 'help' regarding data center project · Marietta Times · July 2026
- OpenStreetMap Nominatim result for Sparling Road, Waterford, Ohio · OpenStreetMap contributors · Oct 7, 2026
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