Data center operators adopt varied strategies to reduce water consumption
By
WIRED
Summary
Data center operators are addressing water consumption concerns through different strategies. Microsoft, OpenAI, and Oracle are moving away from evaporative cooling entirely to save water, including in water-stressed regions like Texas. Google is taking a different approach by announcing water-related commitments to communities hosting its data centers and funding water projects in the US. These moves come amid increased scrutiny of hyperscalers' impact on water quality and availability.
Source
bskyData center operators adopt varied strategies to reduce water consumptionarstechnica.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledSome tech giants, including Microsoft, OpenAI, and Oracle, have made statements in recent months indicating that they are moving away from evaporative cooling entirely in order to save water.
Google is taking a different approach. On Wednesday, the company rolled out a series of water-related commitments to communities where it has data centers, along with funding announcements for water-related projects in the US.
Hyperscalers have come under scrutiny for their impact on water quality and availability.
You might also wanna read

Google pledges to replenish more water than its AI data centers use by 2030
Google has announced five commitments to address the environmental impact of AI data centers, focusing on water usage. The company aims to r
Why claims about AI data centers' water usage are overstated
The article argues that concerns about AI data centers' water usage are exaggerated and "innumerate." It compares AI data centers to other i

OpenAI Commits to Funding Energy Infrastructure and Reducing Water Usage for Data Centers
OpenAI announces commitments to minimize environmental impact of its data centers, pledging to pay for energy infrastructure upgrades and li

Amazon discloses data centers used 2.5 billion gallons of water in 2025, claims improved efficiency
Amazon disclosed that its global data centers consumed 2.5 billion gallons of water in 2025, marking the first time the company has shared s

Amazon discloses data centers used 2.5 billion gallons of water in 2025, claims improved efficiency
Amazon disclosed that its global data centers consumed 2.5 billion gallons of water in 2025, marking the first time the company has shared s
Leaked Document Shows Amazon Strategized to Conceal Data Center Water Usage
A leaked internal document reveals that Amazon strategized about concealing the true extent of its data centers' water usage from the public
Google Presents Liquid Cooling Solutions for AI Datacenters at Hot Chips 2025
Google presented on liquid cooling technology for datacenters at Hot Chips 2025, highlighting how water's superior thermal conductivity (400

Comments
Sign in to join the conversation.
No comments yet. Be the first.