Data center leaders, ASU water expert say the facilities use less water than assumed
Data center industry leaders and a water expert from ASU addressed public concerns about data center water consumption in Arizona, highlighting significant reductions due to advanced cooling systems. They emphasized that current water use figures are often lower than widely assumed, though specific reporting on industrial cooling water use could be improved. State water regulations in Active Management Areas are considered robust.
At an Arizona Data Center Alliance event, data center industry leaders and Arizona State University's Kyl Center for Water Policy addressed public concerns regarding data center water usage in Arizona. Tom Sullivan, COO of Air2O, stated that data centers have dramatically cut water consumption by switching from open-loop to closed-loop cooling systems, reducing daily use from over a million gallons to potentially just a few hundred for a midsize facility, though this increases energy use by about 33%.
Sarah Porter, director of ASU's Kyl Center for Water Policy, noted that while public pushback on data center development has increased, her research hasn't found hyperscale data centers using excessive water in Arizona. She attributed this to the state's robust water regulation within Active Management Areas (AMAs), where most data centers are located. The Arizona Department of Water Resources monitors these areas, requiring approval and water use reporting.
However, Porter identified a gap in reporting: while total water use is known, specific quantities for industrial cooling are not separately detailed. She believes better awareness of these specifics would help communities make informed decisions about data center approvals and work with industries on efficiency. Porter also highlighted that data centers significantly drive water demand for power generation, which is regulated, and utilities like SRP are publishing water sustainability goals. She encouraged Arizonans to advocate for more detailed industrial water reporting.