Google announces donation for Arizona water restoration project
Google announced a $600,000 donation to Trout Unlimited for a water restoration project in Apache County, Arizona. This initiative supports Google's goal to replenish 120% of the freshwater its operations, including data centers, consume by 2030. The project focuses on improving natural water flow and re-establishing habitats in Eastern Arizona.
Google announced a $600,000 investment in a water restoration project in Apache County, Arizona, on Thursday. The funds will be allocated to Trout Unlimited, a nonprofit organization leading various water projects across the state, including in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests and the White Mountains.
The specific project in Eastern Arizona involves replacing smaller culverts with larger ones to enhance water flow in a crucial tributary of the Salt River. This effort aims to restore natural water flow and critical habitats for the Apache Trout, which was delisted from the Endangered Species List in 2024.
Suzie Shin, Google's manager of data center sustainability programs, explained that the project aligns with the company's objective to replenish more freshwater than it consumes. By 2030, Google plans to replenish 120% of the freshwater used by its offices and data centers. Google currently operates a data center in Mesa, Arizona, which a company spokesperson noted is air-cooled to minimize impact on local water supplies, consuming water typical of a standard office building.
In addition to water replenishment, Google has committed to operating its grids 24/7 on carbon-free energy and achieving net-zero emissions by 2030. The company's announcement comes amid increasing scrutiny of data centers' water consumption, with some studies indicating large facilities can use millions of gallons daily.