US data centers tripled water use to 17 billion gallons
- US data centers consumed an estimated 17 billion gallons of water in 2023, with electricity generation accounting for more than 80% of the total.
- US data centers used an estimated 17 billion gallons of water in 2023, roughly three times their consumption in 2014, according to a Congressional Research Service report published by the Library of Congress.
- The estimate covers a data-center buildout that was accelerating as demand for generative AI took off.
Unverified
- US data centers consumed an estimated 17 billion gallons of water in 2023, with electricity generation accounting for more than 80% of the total.
- US data centers used an estimated 17 billion gallons of water in 2023, roughly three times their consumption in 2014, according to a Congressional Research Service report published by the Library of Congress.
- The estimate covers a data-center buildout that was accelerating as demand for generative AI took off.
Sources: Forgeeks