The rapid rise of artificial intelligence is not just revolutionizing industries but also placing significant demands on the infrastructure that powers it—data centers. As AI’s hunger for computing power grows, so does the need for data centers, leading to a dramatic increase in water consumption. This surge is most evident in Virginia, home to the world’s largest concentration of data centers, where water usage skyrocketed by nearly two-thirds between 2019 and 2023, from 1.13 billion gallons to 1.85 billion gallons, according to the Financial Times.
This trend is raising alarms globally, with many experts deeming it unsustainable. Microsoft, a key player in the data center industry, reported that in 2023, a staggering 42% of the water it consumed came from regions experiencing “water stress.” Similarly, Google, which boasts one of the largest data center networks worldwide, revealed that 15% of its freshwater withdrawals this year were from areas facing “high water scarcity.”
A pressing question emerges: Why can’t data centers recycle water in a closed-loop system to mitigate this impact? While many facilities do employ such systems, the challenge lies in the need for humidity control. A significant portion of the water used in data centers is dedicated to maintaining the right humidity levels, which is crucial for preventing static electricity—a potential hazard for sensitive computing equipment. In drier regions, this becomes even more critical, as air that lacks sufficient humidity can quickly become a strong conductor of static, posing a threat to the operation of these high-tech hubs.
As the AI industry continues its upward trajectory, the water demands of data centers are likely to grow, putting additional pressure on already strained water resources. The balance between technological advancement and environmental sustainability is becoming increasingly precarious, highlighting the need for innovative solutions that can support the continued growth of AI while preserving our planet’s vital resources.
