Large data centers can consume up to 5 million gallons of water daily, "equivalent to" the water requirements of a town with 10,000 to 50,000 residents.

As data centers grow larger and more energy-intensive, their thirst for water increases, putting nearby communities at risk of shortages. This post explores how data centers use water, why it matters, and what can be done to reduce their impact on precious freshwater resources.

Data center cooling system drawing water from local sources

Why Data Centers Need So Much Water

Data centers house thousands of servers that generate enormous heat while processing data. To keep these servers from overheating, cooling systems are essential. Water is often the most efficient cooling medium, used in various ways such as:

• Cooling towers that evaporate water to remove heat

• Chilled water systems circulating cooled water through heat exchangers

• Emerging technologies like direct-to-chip and immersion cooling that still rely on water for temperature control

  
  

A medium-sized data center can use about 110 million gallons of water annually, roughly the same amount consumed by 1,000 households. Large data centers can consume up to 5 million gallons daily, equivalent to the water needs of a town with 10,000 to 50,000 residents.

The Scale of the Problem

Only 3% of Earth's water is freshwater, and just 0.5% of all water is accessible and safe for human use. Freshwater is vital for drinking, agriculture, sanitation, and ecosystems. Many regions already face droughts and water shortages, making the growing water demand from data centers a serious concern.

Data centers often tap into surface water sources like rivers and lakes or underground aquifers to meet their cooling needs. This can reduce water availability for local communities, agriculture, and wildlife. In some cases, data centers have been linked to declining groundwater levels and conflicts over water rights.

How Water Use Links to Energy and Carbon Emissions

Water consumption in data centers closely follows their energy use. As data centers expand to support AI and cloud computing, their electricity demand rises. More energy means more heat generated, which requires more water for cooling.

At the same time, increased energy use often leads to higher carbon emissions, especially if the electricity comes from fossil fuels. This creates a cycle where data centers contribute to climate change while also straining water resources that are becoming scarcer due to changing weather patterns.

Innovations to Reduce Water Consumption

Some data centers are adopting new cooling technologies to cut water use and energy consumption:

• Direct-to-chip cooling: Delivers coolant directly to the processor chips, reducing the need for large-scale water cooling systems.

• Immersion cooling: Submerges servers in non-conductive liquids that absorb heat efficiently, minimizing water use.

• Air cooling: Uses outside air when conditions allow, reducing reliance on water-based cooling.

• Water recycling: Treats and reuses water within the facility to lower freshwater withdrawals.

  
  

These approaches can reduce water use by up to 90% compared to traditional cooling methods. However, adoption is still limited, and many data centers continue to rely heavily on water-intensive cooling.

The Impact on Communities

When data centers draw large amounts of water, local residents may face:

• Reduced water availability for drinking, farming, and daily needs

• Increased competition for water during droughts

• Higher water costs due to scarcity

• Environmental damage to aquatic ecosystems

  
  

For example, in some parts of the western United States, data centers have been criticized for tapping into groundwater supplies that are already stressed by drought and agriculture. This has sparked debates about balancing economic development with sustainable water management.

Looking Ahead

The demand for data and AI services will only grow, increasing pressure on water and energy systems. Addressing the hidden water crisis in data centers requires coordinated action from industry, regulators, and communities. By adopting smarter cooling technologies and managing water resources responsibly, it is possible to support digital growth without draining the water supplies that people and ecosystems depend on.

Protecting freshwater is essential for life. As data centers continue to expand, their water use must be carefully managed to avoid leaving communities thirsty.