Data centers have become the backbone of our digital world, powering everything from streaming services and cloud storage to artificial intelligence. These massive facilities store, manage, and process enormous amounts of data, requiring advanced technology to operate 24/7. However, behind their efficiency lies a significant environmental challenge—data centers use vast amounts of water, making their sustainability a growing concern.
At their core, data centers are facilities that house servers and networking equipment to store and manage data. Every time you send an email, stream a video, or access a website, a data center is at work. With the surge in global data demand, these facilities have become essential to our modern lifestyle. However, running these high-performance systems produces a lot of heat, requiring advanced cooling systems. This is where water plays a critical role.
Most data centers use water-based cooling systems, such as evaporative cooling towers, which are highly effective at lowering temperatures. These systems work by transferring heat from the servers to water, which then evaporates to cool the air. While efficient, this process can use up to hundreds of gallons of water per minute, especially during peak operations. Advanced alternatives, like air-cooled systems, are being explored to reduce water dependency, but adoption is still limited due to higher costs and energy demands. The volume of water required can be staggering—some large data centers use up to millions of litres annually to stay cool. The data center in The Dalles, Oregon, for instance, reported using an astonishing 1,042,250,000 liters of cooling water in 2021 alone. That’s approximately 2,855,000 liters per day, solely for cooling.
As of December 2023, an estimated 10,978 data centers operate worldwide. Multiplying this by 2,855,000 liters per day results in a staggering amount of water. Though a rough estimate, it highlights the the immense daily water demands of data centers worldwide.
Beyond cooling, data centers often require humidification systems to control the air’s moisture levels. Dry environments can lead to static electricity, which poses a significant risk to sensitive equipment. Water is used to maintain humidity, ensuring a stable operating environment. Though not as water-intensive as cooling systems, this additional demand contributes to a data center’s overall water usage.
The sheer volume of water required by data centers can strain local water supplies, particularly in regions already facing scarcity. Communities near large data centers may experience increased competition for water. Additionally, improper management of water discharge can lead to environmental issues like thermal pollution, where warm water released back into rivers or lakes disrupts aquatic ecosystems.
As the global population rises, so does the need for digital infrastructure to support everyday life. From education to healthcare and entertainment, billions of people rely on data centers to power these essential services. However, every search, stream, and upload requires servers that use significant amounts of energy and water to stay operational. This increased water use competes directly with local needs, such as agriculture and drinking water, highlighting the urgent need for more sustainable data center operations.
Recognizing the large amount of water used by data centers emphasizes the importance of sustainable water management. As digital demand increases alongside population growth, it’s essential to adopt efficient practices to meet future needs while preserving our vital freshwater resources.
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