Posted 12/6/2023, 5:33:00 PM
Bitcoin Mining's Soaring Water Use Now Equals 300,000 US Homes Annually
- Bitcoin mining's water use has increased 278% since 2020, and will reach 591 billion gallons in 2022
- The water is used to cool computer servers and power plants that support mining operations
- Estimates suggest bitcoin mining's 2022 water use equals the annual consumption of around 300,000 US households
- Much of the mining happens in water scarce regions like the western US and Kazakhstan
- To reduce the water impact, miners could shift to renewable energy sources like solar and wind