AI Data Centers Could Guzzle As Much Water As NYC by 2030

A new study led by Shaolei Ren, an associate professor at the University of California, Riverside, found that AI data centers have an insatiable thirst for water and are putting a strain on communities. The study recommends requiring data centers to disclose their maximum daily water needs so communities can properly plan infrastructure, and developing corporate-community partnerships to fund upgrades so residents don't shoulder the entire burden.