Large data centres can consume up to 5 million gallons of water per day, mostly for cooling high-density AI processors. This puts pressure on local aquifers and municipal supplies, especially in regions like Northern Virginia where data centre clusters are dense. The article cites EESI data and explains that evaporative cooling towers remove water from the local freshwater cycle entirely. Industry solutions include direct-to-chip liquid cooling and immersion cooling, which reduce water dependency. Pairing these with renewable energy also cuts indirect water use from fossil fuel power plants. As AI demand grows, the shift to closed-loop systems and reclaimed water will be critical for protecting community water access.
