State of the Water Industry

You’re Thinking About AI and Water All Wrong

Fears about AI data centers’ water use have exploded. Experts say the reality is far more complicated than people think.

Water Use Isn’t a Data Center Problem, It’s an AI Problem

Critics of the AI build-out are picking the wrong fight when they attack data centers for their water use. But they are right when they say the digital economy is getting thirstier and the tech industry should answer for it.The whole AI supply chain is water intensive, and reducing use in one ...

How much of a problem is AI’s water use?

AI’s water footprint is growing, but location and cooling technology make a difference.

EPA Launches Initiative to Strengthen Support for Water Systems, Maximize Impact to Ensure Clean, Safe Water for All | US EPA

EPA launched the Real Water Technical Assistance (RealWaterTA) initiative, a back-to-basics approach to support drinking water and wastewater systems using proven, best-practice approaches that will most effectively address local needs.

Data center guzzled 30 million gallons of water and nobody noticed for months

Can AI save us from the AI industry’s endless thirst for water? Outlook not so good.

Texas coastal city faces worsening water shortage due to prolonged drought

After years of drought and rising demand, Corpus Christi's water supply is nearing critical levels, raising concerns for residents and one of the nation's largest energy hubs.

2025 Water Quality Report: Statesville Water Quality Report Released – All State & Federal Standards Met

The City of Statesville has released its 2025 Water Quality Report, confirming that the City’s drinking water meets or exceeds all health standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the North Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR).

Empire of AI - Water Footprint Changes — Karen Hao

I have issued two changes to my book regarding the water footprint of data centers:

City of Statesville Moves to Stage 2 Water Restrictions

The City of Statesville is currently under Stage 3 (Extreme Drought) conditions. Beginning at 8 a.m. on May 4, 2026, the City will enforce water use restrictions with fines. This enforcement action is authorized under 15A NCAC 02E .0607, the City of Statesville Code of Ordinances, Section 23, Division 2 (Water Shortage Response Procedures), and the City of Statesville Water Shortage Response Plan (adopted June 5, 2023), following a drought advisory issued by the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council and the establishment of the City’s Water Shortage Leadership Team on April 22, 2026.

100 years of whatever this will be

What if all these weird tech trends actually add up to something? Last time, we explored why various bits of trendy technology are, in my o...

When it comes to total water use, AI data centers are a drop in the bucket

Even moderately sized data centers can have an outsized local impact.

AI Data Centers: Big Tech's Impact on Electric Bills, Water, and More via @ConsumerReports

Massive data centers are gobbling up resources across the United States. The boom has just begun—and you may be paying for it.

Majority of US’s new AI datacenters to be built on drought-hit land

Guardian analysis finds facilities to be built in some of the driest areas as outcry grows over water needed to power AI

California Almond Water Usage — California Water Impact Network

This page was updated on September 23rd 2024. Given their vast acreages and high water requirements, almonds are a controversial crop in California. They’ve also sparked disputes because they are largely an export crop, with 80% of the annual harvest shipped overseas. Here are some b