Most data center water usage comes from electric supplying plants

Data centers in the U.S. are booming, but their environmental impact is unclear as developers are guarded about water and power usage. Data centers use massive amounts of electricity, which could strain the power grid and slow decarbonization efforts. While newer data centers use less water for direct cooling, their high electricity needs create significant indirect water use from power generation. Environmental groups have raised concerns about potential use of PFAS in data center cooling systems. Proponents highlight economic benefits, but residents near new facilities express concerns about light, noise, and habitat impacts. Experts warn the rapid growth of data centers is slowing the transition to clean energy, as fossil fuel plants are brought online to meet demand.