Microsoft Data Centers in Wisconsin Projected to Use 8.44 Million Gallons of Water Annually

Microsoft's data centers in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, are projected to use 8.44 million gallons of water annually, not just four Olympic swimming pools. The first facility, set to start operations in 2026, will consume 2.81 million gallons, while a second center and a 15-center expansion are planned.

Published Mar 20, 2026

Microsoft's data centers in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, are expected to use a total of 8.44 million gallons of water annually, surpassing the estimate of only four Olympic-size swimming pools. The first data center, termed 'the world's most powerful,' will begin operations in 2026 and will utilize 2.81 million gallons of water that year.

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Additionally, a second data center is under construction, with plans for a 15-center expansion. Water for these facilities will be sourced from the city of Racine. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory estimated that in 2024, 92.5% of water used by U.S. data centers was for electricity generation and 7.5% for cooling.