Data centers' massive water use raises sustainability concerns
-
Data centers use massive amounts of water for cooling servers, contributing to water scarcity concerns in some areas like Iowa. One data center uses 20% of its city's water supply.
-
AI models like ChatGPT require extensive computing resources to train and run, driving up data centers' electricity and water needs. By 2027, global AI could use as much water as 4-6 Denmarks.
-
Microsoft has set a goal to become "water positive" by 2030, but its total water use still increased 34% in 2022, likely partly due to AI demand.
-
Some data centers are implementing innovative sustainability solutions, like using underground lakes for cooling or heating nearby buildings with waste heat.
-
Data center operators need to think holistically about locations, tailoring solutions to local environmental conditions and infrastructure.