The rapid expansion of data centres, particularly those supporting artificial intelligence (AI) operations, is raising significant environmental concerns. A striking report reveals that a single Google facility in Papillion, Nebraska, consumed a staggering 1.5 billion litres of water in 2024—equivalent to over 600 Olympic-sized swimming pools. This alarming statistic is not an isolated incident; it highlights a broader issue as thousands of data centres across the United States and beyond continue to proliferate, threatening vital natural resources.
The Water Footprint of AI
While environmental assessments of data centres have predominantly focused on their electricity consumption and carbon emissions, the water usage associated with these facilities is often overlooked. According to a recent study by the UN’s University Institute for Water, Environment and Health in Richmond Hill, Ontario, global data centres are expected to have a water footprint by 2030 that matches the basic needs of 1.3 billion people living in sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, their land usage is projected to surpass 14,500 square kilometres—about double the size of sprawling megacities like Jakarta.
This alarming trend is drawing scrutiny from various municipalities. For instance, Seattle’s city council unanimously imposed a one-year moratorium on new data centre constructions due to concerns over excessive water consumption and pressure on local energy grids. Similarly, Ireland has halted new approvals for data centres in and around Dublin until 2028, as these facilities accounted for over 20 per cent of the nation’s electricity output in 2023.
The Environmental Trade-Offs
The UN report sheds light on the intricate trade-offs between carbon emissions, water usage, and land requirements. For instance, transitioning a data centre’s energy source from coal to bioenergy can reduce carbon output by approximately 70 per cent. However, this shift can lead to a staggering 30-fold increase in water consumption and a 100-fold rise in land usage due to the extensive irrigation needed for growing biomass feedstock.
Data centres rely heavily on cooling systems to manage the heat generated by their servers, often employing evaporative cooling towers that consume vast quantities of water. Unfortunately, only a small fraction of this water is recovered for reuse, although advancements in technology may improve these recovery rates in the coming years.
Local Communities Push Back
As the AI boom continues, local communities are beginning to voice their concerns more robustly. In areas like Querétaro, Mexico—dubbed the country’s data centre capital—residents are anxious about the implications of increased water demands in a drought-prone region. Similarly, plans for a water-intensive data centre in Montevideo, Uruguay, coincided with a significant drought that depleted the city’s freshwater resources.
In the United States, while some local authorities are pushing back against the unchecked growth of data centres, others remain hesitant due to the tax revenue these facilities generate. The balance between fostering innovation and protecting crucial resources hangs precariously in the balance.
The Future of AI and Data Centres
The future of data centres appears uncertain as the push for AI capabilities intensifies. Former President Donald Trump has advocated for the construction of more data centres to maintain America’s competitive edge against China, urging tech giants to cover their electricity expenses to alleviate consumer burdens. However, public sentiment is shifting; only about a quarter of Americans believe AI will enhance their lives. As concerns over rising electricity costs, water shortages, and land consumption grow, resistance to the expansion of data centres is expected to strengthen.
Why it Matters
The burgeoning data centre industry is at a critical juncture. As society races to harness the benefits of AI, it must also confront the environmental ramifications of this technology. The report’s findings underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive discussion on the sustainability of data centres. Without addressing their extensive water and land use, we risk exacerbating resource scarcity and environmental degradation. Balancing technological advancement with ecological responsibility is no longer optional; it is essential for the well-being of both current and future generations.
