AI Data Center Expansion Could Drive Global Water Use to 1,200 Billion Liters by 2030
DATA AND AI INFRASTRUCTURE
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.
Jan 2, 2026, 10:19 AM
