How Much Water Do Data Centers Use in Ohio?
A report explores water consumption by data centers in Columbus, Ohio, highlighting challenges in obtaining water usage data due to legal protections. The Columbus Water Department states data centers account for 1% of total consumption, though a Google data center alone used over a billion gallons last year, sparking debate about transparency and sustainable water management.
A report by Michelle Jarboe from MTN News investigated the water consumption of data centers in Columbus, Ohio, identified as one of the nation's data center hotspots. The investigation highlighted the significant challenge in obtaining clear data on water usage, largely due to legal protections that limit public disclosure by businesses.
John Newsome, administrator for the Columbus Water Department, stated that data centers account for 1% of the overall water consumption in the area, which serves over 1.4 million customers. However, he acknowledged that opinions vary, with some believing the impact to be around 3%, which he considers "not a huge burden." A public records request by the report found that among the top water consumers, a Google data center used over a billion gallons last year, an amount sufficient to supply more than 16,000 nearby homes. This contrasts with the general lack of transparency, as many businesses are reluctant to release such details, with existing laws shielding this information.