A retiree in rural Georgia, Beverly Morris, has accused Meta's AI data center of polluting her water well, claiming sediment buildup since the center's construction. Meta disputes these allegations, stating that a groundwater study showed no adverse effects. The situation highlights environmental concerns linked to a growing demand for AI infrastructure, which may significantly increase water usage. Current estimates project that AI may consume up to 1.7 trillion gallons of water annually by 2027, raising alarms over potential risks to local water supplies and ecosystems.
Beverly Morris fears drinking water from her well due to sediment buildup she attributes to the nearby AI data center. "I'm afraid to drink the water, but I still cook with it, and brush my teeth with it," she expressed.
Meta asserts that it is dedicated to being a good neighbor and claims a commissioned groundwater study found no adverse effects from its data center on local groundwater conditions.
Global demand for AI technologies is expected to reach up to 1.7 trillion gallons of water annually by 2027, significantly impacting water resources.
The construction efforts by tech giants for AI infrastructure could lead to environmental hazards, potentially resulting in harmful sediment runoff that affects local water systems.
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