Full Breakdown
Growing Concerns Over Water Use by Data Centers in the U.S.
9/24/2025, 1:12:51 PM
Legislative Action in California
As the demand for data centers surges, particularly driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, concerns regarding their substantial water consumption have intensified. In September 2025, California legislators passed Assembly Bill 93, which mandates data centers to report their projected water use prior to operation and to certify their annual water consumption thereafter. This bill, awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom's signature, aims to address the increasing water demands of these facilities, especially in arid regions like California, Arizona, and Texas. Assemblymember Diane Papan, the bill's author, emphasized the need for localities to plan for water resources effectively, stating, “Data centers happen to be incredibly thirsty.”
Water Consumption Statistics
Data centers are significant consumers of water, primarily for cooling purposes. The International Energy Agency reported that a 100-megawatt data center can consume approximately 500,000 gallons of water daily. In the Phoenix area alone, projections indicate that cooling water usage could exceed 3.7 billion gallons annually, enough to supply a city of 80,000 for nearly two years. Experts estimate that California has over 300 data centers, with many more planned, raising alarms about the sustainability of water resources in these regions.
Criticism and Concerns
Critics, including environmentalists and local officials, have raised concerns about the impact of data centers on community water supplies. A report by the Environmental and Energy Study Institute highlighted that data centers consumed roughly 211 billion gallons of water in the U.S. in 2023, with predictions that this figure could double or quadruple by 2028. In Wisconsin, for instance, the Microsoft data center in Mount Pleasant is projected to use 8.4 million gallons of water annually, raising questions about the accuracy of such estimates and the potential strain on local resources.
Official Statements and Industry Responses
In response to growing scrutiny, some tech companies have begun to disclose their water usage. Google, for example, reported water consumption figures for its data centers, indicating that usage can vary significantly based on cooling designs. The company stated that 72% of its water came from sources at low risk of depletion. However, experts argue that mere disclosure is insufficient without actionable plans to mitigate water use. Michael Kiparsky from the Wheeler Water Institute noted that while data collection is a positive step, it does not provide local officials with the necessary context to make informed decisions about resource management.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Discrepancies exist regarding the actual water consumption of data centers. While some reports indicate that facilities may withdraw as much as 150 billion gallons of water nationally over the next five years, others suggest that companies often underestimate their water usage. For example, the Vantage data center in Port Washington, Wisconsin, has been criticized for providing low estimates of its water consumption, which local officials believe could be significantly higher.
Broader Implications
The rapid expansion of data centers raises critical questions about water sustainability, particularly in regions already facing water scarcity. As climate change exacerbates these challenges, the need for transparency and responsible resource management becomes increasingly urgent. Local communities, policymakers, and tech companies must collaborate to ensure that the growth of data centers does not compromise essential water supplies.
