"Companies that run data centers are facing increasing scrutiny for guzzling water in the dry western U.S. as artificial intelligence fuels a boom in the industry. California legislators passed a bill this month that would require the facilities to report their projected water use before they begin operating and thereafter certify how much they use annually. The bill is now awaiting Gov. Gavin Newsom's signature."
"The large buildings packed with equipment typically use water to cool their servers and interiors. The International Energy Agency said in a recent that a 100-megawatt data center in the U.S. can consume approximately 500,000 gallons of water per day. But it said innovations in cooling systems can significantly reduce that. The California legislation requires companies to submit water information for both new and existing facilities."
AI-driven expansion of data centers is increasing water demand in California and the Southwest. Legislation in California would require new and existing facilities to report projected water use before beginning operations and to certify annual water consumption, with the bill awaiting the governor's signature. Data centers commonly use water to cool servers and interiors. The International Energy Agency estimates a 100-megawatt U.S. data center can consume about 500,000 gallons per day, though cooling innovations can cut usage. Rapid construction in arid states like California, Arizona and Texas coincides with Colorado River shortages and mounting regional water strain.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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