Environment Agency data shows data centre water use spikes during heatwaves, straining drought-prone regions
Summary
Environment Agency research reveals that data centres in Britain experience a significant summer spike in water demand, driven by extreme temperatures and the need for cooling. Using metered data from approximately 200 data centres (2024-2025), the analysis shows this poses a particular risk to highly water-stressed regions like London and Southeast England. The findings, which challenge tech industry claims about water sustainability, are buried in a technical report aimed at water industry professionals rather than reaching a broader audience.
Source
bskyEnvironment Agency data shows data centre water use spikes during heatwaves, straining drought-prone regionstheecologist.orgKey quotes
· 3 pulledExtreme temperatures across Britain will drive a massive spike in water use by data centres, according to research by Environment Agency.
The agency says this poses a risk to highly-water stressed regions including London and Southeast England.
Despite the urgency of reducing water use in the face of repeated heatwaves, these findings are buried in a highly technical report aimed at water industry professionals.
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