Water scarcity and environmental impact of data centers in drought-prone West
Key Questions
What percentage of planned U.S. data centers are in drought zones?
A Guardian analysis found two-thirds of 809 planned data centers (517 projects) are located in drought zones. AI's total water demand is projected to reach 73 billion gallons by 2028.
Where does most data center water demand originate?
Cooling accounts for only 4% of water use; the majority stems from chip fabrication and power generation, often in the same watershed. This shifts focus beyond on-site cooling efficiency.
What commitments have tech companies made regarding data center water use?
Google pledged water-positive AI data centers by 2030, and Microsoft CEO Nadella promised zero-water cooling. Examples like Google's use of 33% of The Dalles' water supply illustrate ongoing local pressures.
A Guardian analysis quantifies water risk: two-thirds of 809 planned U.S. data centers (517 projects) are in drought zones, with AI's total water demand projected at 73 billion gallons by 2028. Cooling accounts for only 4% of demand; the rest comes from chip fabrication and power generation, often in the same watershed. This reframes the debate beyond on-site cooling efficiency. Google pledged water-positive AI data centers by 2030; Microsoft CEO Nadella promised zero-water cooling. The Dalles case study shows Google using 33% of city water supply. A Kansas developer reframes water use as 80% less than irrigation it replaces. New proposals in Washington's Tri-Cities region may add to water demand in a semi-arid area.