Data Centers Raise Concerns Over Water Consumption

As data centers expand, residents worry about the impact on local water supplies.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:06pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of the complex water-based cooling infrastructure of a data center, with neon cyan and magenta lights illuminating the intricate network of pipes, valves, and heat exchangers, conveying the scale and complexity of these water-intensive facilities.The water-intensive cooling systems of data centers raise concerns about sustainability in drought-prone regions.St. Louis Today

The growth of data centers in the St. Louis region has raised concerns among residents about the facilities' water consumption. Data centers need to cool their equipment, often using water-based approaches, which can require significant amounts of water, especially for larger facilities. Experts say medium-sized data centers may use up to 1 million gallons of water on peak days, while larger ones could need 8 million gallons. A study found that a Google data center in Oregon consumed 355 million gallons of water in 2021, representing 29% of the total water consumption in the 16,000-person city of The Dalles and raising concerns about local water stress, particularly amid droughts.

Why it matters

As data centers continue to proliferate to support the growing demand for computing power, especially for AI and other industrial-scale applications, the impact on local water supplies is becoming an increasingly important issue. Residents are concerned about the sustainability of these water-intensive facilities, especially in regions facing water scarcity and drought.

The details

Data centers need to cool their equipment, which is powered around the clock by electricity. Water-based cooling solutions are often the most efficient approach to prevent overheating. The size of the data center project can determine the water needs, with medium-sized facilities potentially using up to 1 million gallons of water on peak days and larger ones needing as much as 8 million gallons.

  • In 2021, a Google data center in Oregon consumed 355 million gallons of water.

The players

Google

An American multinational technology company that specializes in Internet-related services and products.

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The takeaway

As data centers become more prevalent, the industry will need to find more sustainable water management solutions to address the concerns of local communities and ensure the long-term viability of these critical facilities.