Data centers consume massive amounts of water – companies rarely tell the public exactly how much
Data centers, driven by AI's rapid growth, are consuming massive and increasing amounts of water for cooling and electricity generation, raising concerns about local water supplies. A 2024 report estimates U.S. data center water consumption could double or quadruple by 2028, with companies often lacking transparency about their usage. Local opposition is emerging in areas like Lockhart, Texas, where new facilities are planned.
The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence technology is significantly increasing the water demands of data centers, prompting concerns about local water supplies and a lack of transparency from companies. Data centers require water both directly for cooling computer equipment and indirectly for generating the vast amounts of electricity they consume.
A 2024 report by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory estimated that U.S. data centers directly consumed 17 billion gallons of water in 2023, with projections indicating this figure could double or even quadruple by 2028. Additionally, an estimated 211 billion gallons were consumed indirectly through electricity production in 2023. This indirect consumption is particularly high when fossil fuels are the primary energy source.
The article highlights growing public concern, exemplified by an anti-data-center sign posted at Derek Emadi's farm near Lockhart, Texas, where five new data centers are planned. Authors Peyton McCauley and Melissa Scanlan from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee emphasize the need for greater transparency regarding data center water usage.