AI Data Center Expansion Could Drive Global Water Use to 1,200 Billion Liters by 2030
The expansion of AI data centers in the U.S. is projected to drive annual water consumption to 1,200 billion liters by 2030, raising concerns about local water security. With two-thirds of new centers located in water-stressed regions, bipartisan figures, including Sen. Bernie Sanders and Gov. Ron DeSantis, are calling for a slowdown in construction due to infrastructure and resource challenges. Currently, global data centers consume about 560 billion liters of water annually, primarily for cooling purposes.
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The rapid expansion of AI data centers in the United States is threatening local water security, with water consumption projected to reach 1,200 billion liters annually by 2030. Approximately two-thirds of new data centers since 2022 are located in regions experiencing high water stress, with five states accounting for 72% of construction in these areas.
Over 160 AI-focused data centers have emerged in the last three years, a 70% increase from the previous period. A typical 100-megawatt data center consumes about 2 million liters of water daily, equivalent to the needs of 6,500 households.
Currently, global data centers use about 560 billion liters of water annually, primarily for evaporative cooling. This increase in construction has led to bipartisan concerns, with figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Gov. Ron DeSantis advocating for a slowdown in new developments due to infrastructure limits and water resource challenges.
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