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70% of Americans Oppose AI Data Centers Over Water Use

By Drooid · Oct 2, 2026, 2:37 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. data center developers are pursuing a buildout that could cost up to $10.3 trillion by 2032.
Global data centers used 59 billion gallons of water last year, potentially rising to 102 billion gallons by 2030.
A Gallup poll found 70% of Americans oppose AI data centers, with half citing water-use concerns.
Bain & Company warns funding the buildout would add roughly one percent to annual global GDP growth.

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Story summary

U.S. data center developers are pursuing a buildout that could cost up to $10.3 trillion by 2032.
Global data centers used 59 billion gallons of water last year, potentially rising to 102 billion gallons by 2030.
A Gallup poll found 70% of Americans oppose AI data centers, with half citing water-use concerns.
Bain & Company warns funding the buildout would add roughly one percent to annual global GDP growth.