More or Less: Behind the Stats Does a single AI query use a bottle of water?
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Aug 6, 2025 Explore the surprising environmental impact of artificial intelligence, focusing on the water consumption tied to AI queries. Discover how data centers use significant amounts of water for cooling systems, and unravel the myths surrounding the notion that each AI interaction equates to a bottle of water. Learn about the differences in water usage between various AI models and the need for more transparency regarding their environmental effects. Dive into the fascinating intersection of technology and sustainability!
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AI Water Use Contextualized
- An average of 30 AI queries produces water evaporation equivalent to a small bottle, not just one query.
- Water usage includes direct cooling and indirect power generation evaporation, with power generation being the majority.
Uncertainty of ChatGPT-4 Water Use
- Newer AI models like ChatGPT-4 consume much more power, but water use estimates match earlier models in raw terms.
- These estimates have high uncertainty due to lack of detailed data from companies like OpenAI.
Average Query Water Use Disputed
- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman claims average AI water use per query is just one-fifteenth of a teaspoon.
- Experts warn that "average query" lacks clarity and varies widely depending on task complexity.