Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Tech Giants Face Backlash Over Water-Heavy Data Centers

4/9/2025

47 6

Summary

Tech Giants' Water Crisis

Tech giants Amazon, Microsoft, and Google are under fire for expanding data centers in drought-stricken areas, intensifying fears of water shortages. An investigation found that Microsoft alone draws 42% of its cooling water from these stressed regions. Critics slam their water offsetting strategies as not only unethical but also as worsening local water crises.

Summary

Stadelman Proposes Transparency

Illinois is in the midst of a data center explosion, sparking worries over its environmental toll and energy demands. State Sen. Steve Stadelman is stepping up with a proposal for data centers to disclose their water and energy usage. Critics fear this rapid expansion could overload the power grid, driving up costs for residents and hindering the state’s clean energy ambitions.

1 of 2

Tech Giants' Water Crisis

Tech giants Amazon, Microsoft, and Google are under fire for expanding data centers in drought-stricken areas, intensifying fears of water shortages. An investigation found that Microsoft alone draws 42% of its cooling water from these stressed regions. Critics slam their water offsetting strategies as not only unethical but also as worsening local water crises.

1 / 2