New data centers from Nvidia, AirTrunk, and others use far less water than older facilities — but many are still located in water-stressed areas.
The AI boom brings massive water consumption for cooling data centers. Tech giants are responding with more efficient designs, but experts say its not enough.
The Water Challenge
Each AI data center requires enormous amounts of water for cooling systems. As AI workloads scale, so does water usage — raising concerns in drought-prone regions.
Progress Made
Newer data centers use advanced cooling technologies that significantly reduce water consumption compared to traditional facilities. Companies are also exploring air cooling and recycling systems.
The Bigger Problem
Even with efficiency gains, many new AI facilities are being built in the same water-stressed regions. Power providers and chip manufacturers remain water-intensive, creating a larger ecosystem challenge.
What Needs to Happen
Experts say the industry needs to move beyond incremental improvements — requiring bold investments in water recycling, alternative cooling methods, and strategic location planning.