A significant drought is affecting much of the United States, yet a majority of planned data centers are set to be constructed in these drought-stricken locations, according to an analysis by the Guardian. Approximately two-thirds of the 809 planned data centers are in areas that have experienced drought conditions over the past year, as reported by Cleanview and the federal government.
Currently, over 60% of the contiguous US is experiencing various levels of drought, the largest area recorded for spring in modern history. This has raised concerns about water availability, particularly in the Southeast and West, where agricultural lands are suffering and fears of wildfires are increasing.
Experts have noted that the climate crisis, driven by fossil fuel emissions, is exacerbating the severity and duration of droughts. Data centers, which require substantial water for cooling, are projected to demand up to 73 billion gallons of water annually by 2028, a significant increase from 17 billion gallons in 2023.
Major companies like Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon are investing heavily in new data centers, often in dry regions where land is cheaper and tax incentives are available. However, this has led to tensions over water use, as local communities face restrictions while data centers may receive preferential access.
In Texas, for instance, new data centers could account for 9% of the state's total water use by 2040. While immediate shortages are not anticipated, experts warn that decisions will need to be made regarding water allocation as demand increases.
Local opposition to data center projects is growing, with some states considering regulations to monitor water use. In Utah, a large data center project has faced public backlash, with concerns about its impact on local water supplies and ecosystems. The project is backed by businessman Kevin O’Leary, who argues it will bring economic benefits, but critics highlight the environmental risks associated with such developments.
Overall, while data centers represent a visible aspect of water demand, their water consumption is a fraction of that used by agriculture and other sectors. Nonetheless, the growing number of data centers raises important questions about sustainable water management in drought-prone areas.