New data highlights that the global water withdrawal by AI data centers is minimal compared to agricultural and landscaping uses, yet certain data centers impose heavy demands on local water resources.
- Global AI data center water use is small compared to agriculture and landscaping
- Individual data centers can use large shares of local water resources
- Tech giants invest in water-saving and replenishment initiatives
What happened
Amazon reported that its data centers withdrew approximately 2.5 billion gallons of water worldwide in 2025. While the figure seems large, it is minor when set against national water withdrawals such as the 117 trillion gallons used in the US in 2015. Other major tech companies disclose similar scales, with Google withdrawing over 6 billion gallons, Microsoft around 2.75 billion, and Meta about 1.4 billion gallons in recent years.
Research indicates that the total water usage of all US data centers was around 163 billion gallons in 2021, encompassing direct and indirect consumption. As AI workloads have grown, that number likely rose, demonstrated by estimates that Texas data centers alone consumed up to 49 billion gallons in 2024, with projections suggesting substantial increases by 2030.
Why it matters
Although the global volume is small relative to agriculture and landscaping, water use by AI data centers can create significant local impacts. For example, a single Meta data center in Georgia consumes about 10% of the county's water supply, and data centers in northern Virginia could account for up to 29% of regional water use by 2050. This concentrated demand presents challenges for local water management, especially in drought-prone or water-stressed regions.
Reports reveal that 40% of planned and existing US data centers exist in regions with high or extreme water scarcity, heightening concerns over resource sustainability. Instances have also occurred where data centers withdrew millions of gallons without initially paying, underscoring the urgency of better regulation and water stewardship.
What to watch next
Major technology companies are increasingly emphasizing water efficiency and environmental responsibility. Amazon has adjusted operations to run hotter and reduce water used in cooling, meanwhile funding dozens of water projects expected to return billions of gallons annually to local communities. Google similarly promotes extensive water stewardship initiatives projected to replenish substantial volumes by 2030.
Stakeholders will monitor how water use at AI data centers evolves alongside industry growth, especially in vulnerable regions. Policymakers and operators may consider stricter resource management and incentives for conservation to balance tech expansion with sustainability. Accurate reporting and transparency from companies will also be key in addressing concerns and mitigating local water stress.