There are differing opinions on the water consumption of AI data centers. Some argue that these facilities are significantly water-intensive, potentially exacerbating drought conditions, while others claim that concerns about water use are exaggerated. Former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has criticized the impact of data centers on local water supplies, while OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has dismissed the issue as unfounded. Eric Masanet, a researcher at UC Santa Barbara, stated that there is a lack of concrete data on water usage by data centers, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions.
The water consumption of data centers varies significantly based on location and operational methods. In 2023, data centers in the U.S. used over 17 billion gallons of water for cooling, which is a small fraction of total water usage in agriculture. However, the demand can be substantial at the local level, with specific facilities like a Meta data center in Indiana potentially requiring 8 million gallons of water per day, which exceeds the town's peak demand.
Experts suggest that the focus should be on how data centers use water rather than just the quantity. Cooling methods differ, with some facilities using water-cooled systems while others rely on air-cooled systems, which consume more electricity but less water. The choice of cooling method is influenced by local water availability and energy costs.
Data centers' electricity demands are often met by combustion turbines, which also require water for power generation. In 2024, Meta's indirect water consumption, primarily from electricity generation, was 19 billion gallons, significantly higher than its direct water use.
Innovative cooling techniques and renewable energy sources could help reduce both water and electricity consumption in data centers. However, the rapid construction of these facilities raises concerns about their environmental impact and the lack of transparency in their operations. Accurate information is crucial for assessing the effects of data centers on local water resources, as communities often remain unaware of new developments until construction begins.