Construction of Microsoft’s planned data center in St. Joseph County could send hundreds of thousands of gallons of groundwater into nearby creeks.

The county Drainage Board approved a dewatering plan Monday, allowing pumps to remove water from the construction site.

Applications estimate the system could discharge up to 200,000 gallons per hour into Willow Creek and Juday Creek.

Three wells are expected to operate at different times from mid-December through early April.

A board member says officials don’t expect the discharge to cause flooding.

Nearby residents have raised concerns about water quality and the effect on private wells.

The company plans to monitor nearby wells and track water levels.

The total amount discharged will depend on how long the pumps run and how much water needs to be removed.