AI’s water problems run deep

AI requires immense computing power and energy, with U.S. data centers consuming approximately 183 TWh of electricity in 2024. This represents over 4% of total U.S. electricity use, with demand expected to double by 2030. Water is critical for cooling infrastructure to prevent servers from overheating. While concerns regarding the water usage footprint exist, some argue that policymakers should not hinder AI adoption, as effective solutions are available to address these environmental challenges and maintain economic growth.