How much of a problem is AI’s water use?
Summary
Many people are worried about how much water data centers use to cool the computers running artificial intelligence (AI). While data centers do use water, experts say their usage is much smaller than industries like farming, but growth in AI data centers might cause local water problems in dry areas. Engineers are working on new methods to reduce water use and improve sustainability.Key Facts
- Data centers cool their hot computers using water, similar to how sweating cools people.
- In 2023, data centers used about 66 billion liters of water in the U.S., less than 1% of the country's total water use.
- AI data centers are growing fast, which could increase water use and stress water supplies in dry states like New Mexico and Arizona.
- Early estimates said one AI chatbot query used about 500 ml of water, but newer AI is more efficient and uses much less.
- A 2025 Google study estimated only five drops of water per chatbot query for their AI system.
- By 2030, U.S. data centers might use between 731 billion and 1,125 billion liters of water yearly, similar to New York City's drinking water supply.
- Using renewable energy, better AI efficiency, and placing data centers in water-rich locations can reduce water use.
- Experts think improving water use and restoring water sources could make cooling systems net-zero water users in the future.
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