AI data centers' water use adds to environmental footprint beyond energy consumption

A new opinion piece from The Globe and Mail argues that AI data centers are not just power hungry but also consume massive amounts of water for cooling, creating a broader environmental problem. The author highlights that as AI computing expands, the water used to cool servers in data centers is often overlooked compared to energy use. This water consumption can strain local water supplies, especially in drought-prone regions. The article points out that water use for cooling is a growing concern as data center construction accelerates globally. It calls for more transparency and regulation around water usage, similar to what exists for energy efficiency. For anyone tracking the full lifecycle impact of digital infrastructure, this is a reminder that carbon and energy metrics are only part of the picture.