Data Centers' Water Use in California Remains Unclear
Data centers in California are expanding into water-stressed regions without disclosing their water usage, according to a new report from Next10 and Santa Clara University. This lack of transparency complicates water management and planning for communities, despite ongoing legislative efforts to mandate disclosure.
A new report titled "The Intersection of Data Center Development, Water Availability, and Environmental Justice In California" by think tank Next10 and researchers at Santa Clara University reveals a significant concern: data centers are expanding into water-stressed areas of California, such as the Central and Imperial Valleys, without publicly disclosing their water consumption.
Stephanie Leonard, Director of Research at Next10, emphasized that this lack of transparency, stemming from a patchwork of state, federal, and local policies, makes responsible planning and community trade-off evaluations incredibly difficult. Hydrologist Iris Stewart-Frey from Santa Clara University added that the cumulative impact of these water-intensive facilities exacerbates pressure on regional water supplies, particularly for vulnerable communities already facing climate-related challenges.
Despite the clear need for better data, efforts to mandate disclosure have faced obstacles. California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill last year that would have required data centers to report their water use, citing concerns about business impacts. However, new legislative initiatives are currently underway, aiming to introduce more detailed reporting requirements and potentially prohibit data center development in critically overdrafted water basins without state approval.
Irina Raicu, Director of the Internet Ethics Program at Santa Clara University, underscored the real-world environmental impacts of seemingly abstract AI infrastructure. The report concludes that sustainable water management in California necessitates greater transparency and integrated planning alongside the growth of the state's vital digital economy.