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Datacentre Water Use: Shocking 50x Underestimation?
19 Dec
Summary
- Datacentre water use could be 50 times higher than estimated.
- Indirect water consumption linked to AI server energy demands.
- Air pollution concerns from generators affect local communities.
Analysis indicates that the UK's largest proposed datacentre, a hyperscale campus by QTS in Northumberland, may be drastically understating its water consumption. While QTS estimates 2.3 million litres annually for its initial data halls, research suggests indirect water use for AI server electricity generation could exceed 124 million litres, over 50 times the operator's projection.
This "embedded" water footprint is a growing concern, similar to carbon emissions accountability for power-intensive industries. Furthermore, potential air pollution from the facility's nearly 600 backup diesel generators, intended for emergency use but subject to potential expanded operation, poses health risks to nearby communities, including Cambois primary school.
QTS maintains its operations are sustainable and within emissions limits, emphasizing that generators are primarily for emergency backup. However, environmental advocates warn of the potential for increased generator use, drawing parallels to situations in Virginia where backup systems face pressure for more frequent deployment.
