Artificial intelligence may exist in the digital world, but the computers that power it require significant physical resources, including water. AI systems run in large data centers containing thousands of powerful computer servers. These machines generate enormous amounts of heat and must be kept cool.
Many data centers use water-based cooling systems to prevent servers from overheating. The exact amount of water used varies depending on the size of the data center, its cooling technology, location, climate, and workload. Large facilities can consume millions of litres of water, particularly when evaporative cooling is used.
AI also has an indirect water footprint. Electricity generation can require water, meaning some of the water associated with AI comes not only from cooling the data center itself but also from producing the electricity that powers it.
As demand for AI continues to grow, water consumption is becoming an important environmental concern, especially in regions already experiencing water shortages. Technology companies are therefore exploring alternatives such as recycled water, closed-loop cooling systems, air cooling, and locating data centers in areas where cooling requires fewer natural resources.
AI has the potential to transform society, but its environmental impact should not be overlooked. Building more efficient data centers and using water responsibly will be increasingly important as AI becomes a larger part of everyday life.
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