AI's Water Demand Intensifies Groundwater Crisis in India
India's groundwater crisis is exacerbated by the rising water demands of AI technologies. This intersection raises concerns about water justice and resource management, particularly affecting vulnerable communities.
Theia Market Signal Identification - AI AssistedThe Central Ground Water Board reported a groundwater extraction rate of 60.47% in India for 2024, with 245.64 billion cubic meters extracted, primarily for agriculture. Over 11% of assessment units are classified as over-exploited, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
Concurrently, the water consumption of AI data centers is significantly high, with medium-sized centers using around 110 million gallons annually for cooling. Additionally, the production of semiconductor chips for AI models further complicates water consumption, requiring large amounts of pure water.
This situation highlights a stark disparity: while AI benefits affluent sectors, the water crisis disproportionately impacts marginalized communities. Policymakers must address the ethical implications of AI's water footprint to safeguard the rights of vulnerable populations.
Comments