As the world rushes headlong into the artificial intelligence revolution, a lesser-known concern is bubbling to the surface: the significant amount of water consumed by the very technologies that are meant to enhance our lives. Recent analyses reveal that every time you interact with an AI chatbot, you may be unwittingly contributing to a growing environmental issue. With various estimates on the water usage of these systems, the conversation around AI’s water footprint is becoming increasingly urgent.
The Thirst of Data Centres
At the heart of AI’s water consumption lies the data centres that power these technologies. These facilities require substantial amounts of water for cooling purposes, as the servers that drive AI applications generate considerable heat. Each query you submit to a service like ChatGPT or Google Gemini necessitates energy and, subsequently, water to keep the data centre operational and efficiently cooled.
The figures on water usage vary widely. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, claims that a single ChatGPT query consumes less than 1/15 of a teaspoon of water. In contrast, a study from Google Gemini suggests that an average AI prompt uses under 0.3 millilitres. However, a 2023 study from the University of California presents a more sobering picture, estimating that ChatGPT consumes around 500 millilitres of water for every 10 to 50 medium-length responses. Moreover, the UK government’s Digital Sustainability Alliance predicts that by 2027, AI could escalate global water consumption from 1.1 billion to a staggering 6.6 billion cubic metres.
Environmental Concerns and Community Impact
The alarm over AI’s water consumption is primarily rooted in its potential to exacerbate existing water scarcity issues. As data centres tap into local water supplies, they place added pressure on communities that may already be facing challenges in accessing clean water. Alarmingly, nearly 68% of these centres are situated near areas that are crucial for biodiversity, where clean water is essential for both ecosystems and local populations.
The Government Digital Sustainability Alliance has raised concerns about the future, predicting that demand for fresh water could exceed supply by 40% by the decade’s end. This situation is compounded by the fact that over half of global data centres are located in river basins vulnerable to pollution, further complicating the quest for clean water resources.
Is the Crisis Overstated?
While many experts agree that AI’s water consumption poses a significant challenge, others argue that the fears surrounding it may be exaggerated. Andy Masley, director of Effective Altruism DC, posits that the water used per individual interaction with AI is minuscule in comparison to everyday water consumption. He notes that hundreds of thousands of ChatGPT prompts would collectively consume less water than the production of a single pair of jeans, which requires approximately 7,500 litres.
Mr Masley suggests that an individual would need to submit over 1,000 prompts in a day to increase their daily water footprint by a mere 1%. This raises questions about the real impact of personal AI usage on overall water consumption.
The Path Forward: Transparency and Innovation
Experts like Sam Gilbert from the University of Cambridge argue that the focus should not solely be on individual usage but rather on the broader environmental impact of data centres. He emphasises the need for greater transparency in the industry regarding water consumption and its ecological implications. While he contends that estimates of water usage by AI might be overstated, he acknowledges that even a small amount can have significant local consequences.
On a more optimistic note, AI technologies might also hold the key to water conservation in other sectors. For instance, AI can enhance leak detection and improve energy-efficient water distribution systems. A water company in Surrey has already begun employing AI to reduce leaks, and projections suggest that AI-driven solutions could potentially cut water use by 15% in the United States.
Why it Matters
The conversation surrounding AI’s water consumption is crucial not only for environmental sustainability but also for the future of technology itself. As companies rush to develop and deploy AI solutions, the demand for resources will inevitably rise. If not addressed, this could lead to unsustainable practices that jeopardise our vital water supply. Striking a balance between innovation and environmental stewardship will be key to ensuring that our technological advancements do not come at the expense of our planet’s most precious resources.
