Story perspectives
Data Centers' Water Usage Sparks EU Scrutiny Amid Expansion
10/17/2025
1 of 2
Data Centers Scrutinized
- European data centers are facing scrutiny over significant water consumption amid a growing crisis.
- Michael Winterson, secretary general of the European Data Centre Association, says the industry pursues non-potable water solutions.
- The EU plans to triple data center capacity to support its AI strategy.
- In Scotland, data centers reportedly use enough water to fill 27 million half-litre bottles annually.
- Experts warn rapid expansion could exacerbate water stress in vulnerable areas.
1 / 2
