Letters: Tricky numbers make AI centers seem thirsty

"The Oct. 10 op-ed warning about water use by AI centers states that by 2028 those centers across the entire United States will use as much as 124 billion liters of water per year, but it does not put that amount into any context. Well, that is about 100,000 acre-feet per year. The State Water Project export pumps in the Delta can pump that amount in a week."

"A letter supporting Proposition 50 was signed by a number of local elected officials from the Lamorinda area and other East Bay cities. The heading for the letter ("Prop. 50 is about fair representation") is inaccurate because the letter specifically states that "we must temporarily change our fair districting system," correctly implying that Proposition 50 is not fair. The letter essentially argues that we should teach our children that two wrongs make a right, and that the end justifies the means -"

Projected AI data center water use of 124 billion liters per year equals about 100,000 acre-feet; State Water Project export pumps can move that volume in a week, while Delta farmers use 1.8 million acre-feet annually. Measuring water in liters or gallons can make a relatively small volume appear large. Proposition 50 would temporarily change the fair districting system, increase underrepresentation of independents and Republicans, and is described as unfair, immoral, and enabling election cheating. The stated goal of Proposition 50 is to rig the 2026 congressional election in favor of Democrats.

Read at The Mercury News