Concerns arise over data center water usage amid drought

North Carolina is grappling with a severe drought, which has intensified concerns regarding the substantial water consumption of planned data centers across the state. Industry estimates suggest that a single data center could utilize up to a billion gallons of water annually, peaking at 2.7 million gallons daily during summer heat for cooling computer components, an amount equivalent to filling 180 swimming pools or taking 159,000 showers. The scale of this water demand is prompting some leaders in North Carolina to advocate for a one-year pause on data center construction to address these environmental pressures. Concurrently, a broader trend is emerging nationwide, with 36 states reportedly evaluating new regulations concerning data center water usage. Currently, there are no existing requirements or proposals mandating data centers to report or limit their water consumption, even in drought-stricken areas.