Water is increasingly becoming a significant issue in discussions surrounding the development of artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. Major tech companies, including Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, are addressing concerns about water usage in their data centers, emphasizing their efforts in water replenishment, recycling, and cooling technologies. Nvidia has also claimed that its latest technology can mitigate water concerns.
According to Peter Gleick, co-founder of the Pacific Institute, the scrutiny on water and energy use has prompted these companies to enhance transparency regarding their operations. A Gallup poll indicates that approximately 70% of U.S. residents oppose data centers in their communities, citing water and energy use as primary concerns.
At the global level, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres has called for increased transparency regarding data centers' resource usage. In Virginia, lawmakers are considering regulations on water-intensive cooling methods due to the state's high concentration of data centers.
While data centers are reported to use less water compared to other industries, experts caution that aggregate figures may not reflect local impacts, especially in drought-prone areas. The relationship between energy and water is complex, with water-based cooling systems generally consuming less electricity but facing public opposition.
Upcoming environmental reports from tech giants are expected to provide further insights into their water use, as Guterres has urged AI companies to disclose their environmental impacts, including water and carbon footprints.