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AI Boom Drains Drought-Stricken US Water
8 Jun
Summary
- Most new datacenters in US drought zones require vast water.
- AI water demand could reach 73 billion gallons annually by 2028.
- Ranchers voice concerns over competing water needs with datacenters.
The artificial intelligence industry is expanding rapidly, with a majority of planned datacenters set to be constructed in drought-stricken regions across the US. This development significantly increases water demand in areas already facing severe water shortages, exacerbated by climate change. By 2028, datacenters are projected to require up to 73 billion gallons of water annually, a stark increase from current levels.
This escalating water consumption is fueling concerns among local communities and industries, including agriculture. Ranchers and farmers are highlighting the competition for water resources, questioning whether datacenters will receive preferential treatment over essential human and agricultural needs. Some states are considering new regulations, such as water use reporting and mandated closed-loop cooling systems, to manage this growing demand.
Despite industry claims of responsible water stewardship and investments in water infrastructure, the overall impact remains a significant issue. The AI sector's water footprint extends beyond datacenters to power generation and semiconductor fabrication. As global drought impacts are predicted to affect three-quarters of people by 2050, the water intensity of AI expansion poses a substantial challenge.
