How much water do Data Centers use?

In 2025, data centers have become an integral part of our technological landscape, and their water consumption is emerging as a critical environmental concern. Data centers underpin everything from cloud computing and streaming services to artificial intelligence and machine learning and they may require enormous volumes of water primarily for cooling purposes. The challenge is that as computational demands continue to surge, so too does the heat generated by thousands of servers operating non-stop, necessitating the use of water-intensive cooling processes to maintain safe and efficient operating temperatures.

Data centers can rely on evaporative cooling systems and chilled water infrastructure to manage the immense amounts of heat produced. In some regions data centers can demand an astonishing amount of water, with some reports indicating that daily cooling requirements for a campus or some of the largest facilities can exceed 170 million gallons. This figure is reflective of the unique environmental context in which these facilities are located, where water is used in large quantities to cool equipment that, if allowed to overheat, could fail and interrupt essential services. The scale of water consumption is further exemplified by the fact that the training of a single large-scale language model can use up nearly 185,000 gallons of fresh water, a volume that represents only one facet of the overall water demanded by modern digital infrastructure.

The rising reliance on artificial intelligence has compounded the situation. As AI workloads intensify and more algorithms are deployed on hyperscale data centers, these facilities face a dual challenge: managing their energy footprint while mitigating the environmental impact of their water use. Global estimates suggest that the broader AI sector might drive the annual consumption of freshwater into the trillions of gallons in just a few short years. Although these figures are often aggregated from diverse sources and vary considerably by region and cooling technology, the overall trend is clear—water is becoming an increasingly precious resource as data centers expand and strive to meet the growing demands of an ever-more connected world.

Efforts to reduce water usage in data centers are ongoing, with operators experimenting with closed-loop cooling systems, reclaimed water, and advanced digital monitoring tools. These innovations aim to minimize the proportion of fresh water drawn from local supplies while maintaining the high level of operational performance required by modern data centers. In regions where water scarcity is a serious concern, even incremental improvements in water efficiency may be insufficient. In some states data centers collectively are estimated to use billions of gallons annually, putting them in direct competition with agricultural, industrial, and municipal water needs that also have such large water demands. Such challenges have spurred regulatory discussions, as policymakers and community stakeholders seek to balance the economic and technological benefits of these facilities against their environmental costs.

The water usage patterns of data centers in 2025 illustrate a complex interplay between technological progress and environmental stewardship. While the cooling requirements of data centers remain non-negotiable due to the high heat loads inherent in large-scale computation, emerging technologies and better design practices hold promise for reducing freshwater dependency. In the meantime, the current trajectory suggests that without significant changes to cooling methods or water sourcing strategies, data centers will continue to be among the most water-intensive industrial sectors. This dynamic raises questions about sustainable operations but also prompts critical reflections on how society can reconcile the rapid digital transformation with the finite nature of our natural resources.

Why do Data Centers use so much water?

Data centers require vast amounts of water because they must continuously manage and dissipate the enormous heat generated by their servers, storage systems, and networking equipment. Every day, these facilities process incredible volumes of data, operating around the clock to support cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and a host of other digital services. As the processors and other hardware work tirelessly, they produce high levels of heat that need to be removed to ensure system stability and prevent equipment failure. Water is uniquely effective in this role due to its ability to absorb and transfer heat; its high specific heat capacity allows it to carry away thermal energy more efficiently than air-based cooling solutions. This efficiency is crucial when even minor temperature increases can lead to dramatic performance issues or hardware damage, making water an essential element in the cooling process.

The cooling systems in data centers are designed to handle these high thermal loads, often relying on water-based methods such as evaporative cooling and chilled water systems. In the evaporative cooling process, water circulates through cooling towers (or other types of evaporative equipment) where it evaporates, releasing the heat into the atmosphere. This evaporation process inherently consumes water, as the water that transforms into vapor is removed from the system and must be continually replaced. Meanwhile, chilled water systems operate by cooling water in a central chiller unit and then pumping it through a network of pipes and heat exchangers to absorb the excess heat from computing equipment. Despite advancements in technology aimed at recirculating water and improving efficiency, the high energy density of modern data centers means that substantial quantities of water are still needed to maintain safe operating temperatures.

Beyond the direct use of water in cooling, data centers also utilize water for other operational needs including humidity control and fire suppression. Maintaining the proper humidity levels within a data center is critical to preventing static electricity buildup, which can damage delicate electronic components. In fire suppression systems, water is often the medium of choice because it can quickly help control a flame or reduce the temperature of the area before specialized systems can engage. These additional uses, although not nearly as water-intensive as the cooling systems, contribute to the overall water footprint of a data center. While these facilities are significant direct consumers of water, they also indirectly impact water usage through the power plants that generate the electricity required to run them; these plants typically rely on water-based cooling as well, multiplying the total water drawn from all sources.

The interplay between rapidly expanding digital infrastructure and the essential need for water in thermal management is becoming an increasingly urgent environmental concern. Advances in computing technology have led to higher performance and greater processing power, which in turn have increased the heat output per machine. As data centers evolve to support emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, where workloads are even more heat-intensive, the reliance on water-cooled systems intensifies. This situation is compounded in regions already facing water scarcity or prolonged drought conditions, where the competition for limited water resources becomes a critical issue. In these areas, the water consumed by data centers can equate to a significant portion of the municipal or regional water supply, highlighting the challenge of balancing technological advancement and environmental sustainability.

What are solutions utilized in the industry today to mitigate this water use?

In today's industry, a variety of strategies have been implemented to address the substantial water usage associated with cooling and operating data centers. One primary method involves shifting away from the use of potable, or drinkable, water for cooling purposes. Many facilities are transitioning to alternative water sources such as recycled water, reclaimed graywater, and rainwater collection systems. By utilizing non-potable water that has been treated and repurposed, data centers lessen their impact on local drinking water supplies while still providing the necessary liquid medium to absorb and dissipate heat from the servers and equipment.

Another significant approach is the adoption of advanced cooling technologies that optimize water efficiency through innovative design. Modern facilities are increasingly incorporating closed-loop cooling systems that recirculate water rather than using an open-loop evaporative system. This method reduces the demand for fresh water and minimizes the amount of wastewater that must be treated and disposed of. Alongside these closed-loop systems, some data centers employ hybrid cooling systems, which intelligently combine air-based cooling with limited water use, thereby substantially lowering the overall water consumption while maintaining effective temperature regulation.

Data center operators are also exploring novel architectural designs that inherently reduce water dependency. For example, some companies are building facilities in locations where ambient conditions, such as naturally cool air or proximity to large bodies of water, can be leveraged to aid in cooling. In certain experimental projects, data centers have even been immersed in water bodies, mimicking natural cooling processes while using seawater as a resource. Such radical design innovations, exemplified by initiatives like submerged data centers, not only challenge traditional cooling methods but also demonstrate the potential for integrating natural environmental resources into man-made technology without exacerbating water scarcity concerns.

In conjunction with physical and technological innovations, the industry is increasingly relying on sophisticated monitoring and control systems to enhance water use effectiveness. Facilities now employ networks of sensors and real-time analytics platforms that meticulously track water flows, temperatures, and efficiency metrics. This data-driven approach allows operators to immediately pinpoint inefficiencies and adjust system parameters, ensuring that water is used in the most effective manner possible. By continuously refining these systems, data centers can conserve water while still meeting the stringent cooling requirements necessary for high-performance computing applications.

Strategic decisions regarding the geographical placement of data centers play a crucial role in reducing water reliance. By situating new facilities in regions with abundant natural cooling potential or where alternative water sources are readily available, data center operators can drastically alleviate the local pressure on water resources. This approach mitigates the environmental impact of the data center itself and also contributes to the sustainability goals of local communities, particularly in areas where water scarcity is an ongoing challenge.

Collectively, these solutions represent a multifaceted, industry-wide response to the pressing need to manage water resources more sustainably. Operators are blending advanced cooling technology, innovative building designs, alternative water sourcing, and real-time monitoring to drastically reduce the reliance on fresh water for data center operations. As the digital infrastructure continues to expand and computational demands soar, these approaches will become increasingly critical in balancing technological progress with environmental stewardship. This ongoing evolution in water management practices underscores the importance of embracing a holistic view of sustainability—one that considers not only energy consumption but also the vital role of water as a finite resource in sustaining our modern digital society.

What are some up and coming solutions to mitigate water use?

Up and coming solutions to mitigate water use in data centers are emerging from a confluence of innovative technologies and forward-thinking design strategies that seek to fundamentally lessen the industry’s water footprint. One notable approach involves shifting away from the traditional reliance on potable water for cooling processes by repurposing alternative water sources, such as recycled wastewater, graywater, and rainwater. Data centers are increasingly adopting advanced water treatment technologies—employing methods like reverse osmosis and enhanced filtration—to repurpose non-potable water for cooling. This shift not only alleviates the pressure on municipal drinking water supplies but also opens the door to establishing a closed-loop system where water is used repeatedly over an extended cycle, reducing overall demand. As these technologies mature, the capacity to boost cycles of concentration and integrate real-time water quality monitoring not only improves efficiency but also contributes to a more sustainable and resilient water management strategy in facility operations.

Another encouraging development is the evolution of hybrid cooling techniques that intelligently integrate water-based and air-based cooling systems. In these innovative frameworks, data centers can leverage natural ambient cooling when conditions are favorable, thereby significantly reducing the reliance on water-intensive methods during cooler periods. This dynamic approach adjusts cooling strategies in real time—switching between water cooling and air cooling as environmental conditions dictate—to optimize energy consumption while minimizing water use. At the same time, new architectural designs are pushing the boundaries of traditional data center construction. Experimental projects such as submerged or underwater data centers—where facilities are either partially or completely immersed in naturally cold water bodies—are already demonstrating that using the cooling power of the surrounding environment can reduce or even eliminate the need for large volumes of water drawn from local supplies. Underground designs that use the naturally stable temperatures of the earth also offer an innovative path forward, enabling data centers to benefit from natural thermal inertia while reducing reliance on mechanical, water-based cooling.

In addition to these physical and infrastructural innovations, significant strides are being made in the area of digital optimization and predictive analytics. Advances in sensor technology and machine learning are enabling data centers to monitor water usage with remarkable precision. Intelligent control systems now collect detailed, real-time data about water flow, temperature gradients, and cooling system performance, allowing operators to fine-tune their processes to reduce inefficiencies. By forecasting cooling load requirements and dynamically adjusting system parameters, these analytical tools can significantly reduce water consumption while ensuring reliable and uninterrupted operations. This proactive approach not only enhances operational sustainability but also dovetails with broader efforts to minimize the environmental footprint of data centers amid growing global data demands.

Collectively, these up and coming solutions illustrate a holistic transformation in data center design and operation. By combining alternative water sources, adaptive hybrid cooling systems, radical architectural innovations, and the power of digital optimization, the industry is paving the way toward a future where the digital infrastructure can thrive without depleting precious water resources. In embracing these strategies, the data center sector is not only addressing the immediate challenges of water scarcity but also setting new benchmarks for sustainable engineering and environmental stewardship in an increasingly digital world.

Why might excess water use impact our future on planet earth?

Excess water use today can have profound implications for our future on planet Earth, affecting the natural environment, human societies, and the global economy in multiple interconnected ways. When water is used unsustainably, we face the depletion of critical freshwater resources. Aquifers can be overdrawn, rivers and lakes may shrink, and entire ecosystems can be disrupted as water balances shift away from their natural states. This depletion often leads to water scarcity, a condition that not only threatens agricultural productivity and food security but also undermines the long-term viability of communities that depend on reliable water supplies for drinking, sanitation, and industrial processes.

Environmental degradation is another significant consequence of excessive water use. The natural replenishment cycles of water bodies are interrupted when too much water is extracted, weakening the intricate relationships between species and their habitats. Aquatic ecosystems suffer as lower water levels and altered chemical compositions lead to the loss of biodiversity, reduced fish populations, and diminished recreational and cultural values associated with these environments. In addition, the downstream habitats—wetlands, riparian zones, and estuaries—become increasingly vulnerable, which can exacerbate the impacts of climate change by reducing nature’s capacity to sequester carbon and regulate local climates.

The ramifications of unsustainable water use extend into socioeconomic realms as well. In regions where water has become scarce due to overuse, competition for water can intensify dramatically. Agricultural sectors, which rely heavily on consistent water availability for crop irrigation, may experience dramatically reduced yields, leading to higher food prices and even food shortages. Simultaneously, industries that depend on water for manufacturing processes might face operational disruptions. Such challenges can compound, triggering conflicts over water rights and prompting social unrest, particularly in areas already grappling with the stresses of rapid population growth and economic inequality.

Furthermore, excess water use has the potential to exacerbate the effects of climate change. The energy required to pump, treat, and transport water frequently comes from fossil fuel-based power sources, thereby increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Over time, the cumulative impact of these emissions contributes to global warming, which in turn affects precipitation patterns, water availability, and the frequency of extreme weather events like floods and droughts. This feedback loop creates a scenario in which mismanaged water resources and a changing climate drive each other in increasingly destabilizing ways, complicating efforts to build resilience in both human and natural systems.

Finally, unsustainable water practices impinge on our vision for a sustainable future. Modern societies depend on a delicate balance between resource extraction and ecosystem conservation. As we continue to strain our limited water reserves, the cumulative effects—from deteriorating water quality and loss of aquatic life to the undermining of entire communities—pose severe risks to human health and global stability. The long-term implications urge us to rethink water management practices, adopt more efficient technologies, and enforce regulations that prioritize conservation and equitable access to water. In doing so, we have the opportunity to mitigate some of the most catastrophic potential outcomes while fostering a more sustainable coexistence with our planet’s finite water resources.

Looking ahead, embracing innovations in water recycling, advanced cooling technologies, and integrated resource management will be essential. These solutions not only promise to mitigate the immediate pressures of excess water use but also offer a glimpse into how sustainable practices can help safeguard our future. Exploring these emerging strategies further could provide valuable insights into building a resilient global society capable of thriving in harmony with nature.