TechTank Why water is important for data centers
Jan 5, 2026
Joseph Kane, a Fellow at the Brookings Metro Program, delves into the critical intersection of data centers and water resources. He outlines how these tech facilities use from 300,000 to 5 million gallons of water daily for cooling, which poses significant challenges for communities. Kane discusses innovative cooling technologies that reduce water use, the need for regional planning, and the importance of transparency in water demands. He emphasizes the urgency of investing in infrastructure and aligning water policies with climate adaptation.
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Water Is Core To Data Center Operations
- Data centers need water primarily for cooling via chillers and cooling towers that use surface or groundwater.
- Water demand varies by facility but is essential and often substantial for continuous operation.
Scale: From Households To Whole Towns
- Typical data centers can use ~300,000 gallons per day while large ones may use up to 5 million gallons daily.
- Cooling water demand could increase dramatically as more facilities come online, stressing regional supplies.
Adopt Water-Saving Cooling Technologies
- Use closed-loop cooling, water reuse, rainwater capture, and immersion cooling to reduce freshwater needs.
- Pair cooling upgrades with onsite renewables to improve overall sustainability.