Even if data centers are being woefully inefficient with their water use, and I don't know one way or another, they're still necessary infrastructure for a working internet.
They're being built recklessly right now because of the AI craze, but we will find non-AI uses for that power after it fades.
thou_dog 🟨⬜✡️⬛
Data centers: 33 billion gallons of water annually
American golf courses: 730 billion gallons of water annually
Will Stancil
Are the myths about water use in the room with us, Will?
"As the AI arms race continues, hyperscale data centers alone are expected to consume up to 33 billion gallons of water annually by 2028."
harvardsciencereview.org/2026/02/28/r...
As AI data centers adopt liquid cooling, freshwater use is surging—raising environmental justice concerns and straining communities.
