Story perspectives

Scotland's Data Centres: Water Use Soars, Experts Warn

10/16/2025

Summary

Story summary

Data centres in Scotland consume water equivalent to 27 million half-litre bottles annually, a volume that has quadrupled since 2021.
Sixteen data centres are currently operating.
More data centres are planned.
Scottish Water has expressed concerns and urged sustainable alternatives such as wastewater systems.
Experts warn the carbon footprint could equal every person in Scotland driving an extra 90 miles yearly, while the tech industry lacks transparency on water consumption.

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Story summary

Data centres in Scotland consume water equivalent to 27 million half-litre bottles annually, a volume that has quadrupled since 2021.
Sixteen data centres are currently operating.
More data centres are planned.
Scottish Water has expressed concerns and urged sustainable alternatives such as wastewater systems.
Experts warn the carbon footprint could equal every person in Scotland driving an extra 90 miles yearly, while the tech industry lacks transparency on water consumption.