AI data centers adopt cooling tech, but power use raises water demand

AI data centers: AI data centers are specialized computing facilities that run power-intensive servers for training and deploying artificial-intelligence systems. In the reported development, operators are adopting cooling technologies that reduce water use at the facility itself, while the electricity required to operate the servers increases water consumption at the power plants supplying them. Water footprint: The indirect water used to generate electricity for AI data centers can exceed the water consumed directly for server cooling. Cooling tradeoff: Reducing onsite water use can require more electricity because air-based or closed-loop systems still need energy to remove heat. Drought exposure: Many new data centers are being developed in regions already facing significant water stress, increasing concern over competition for local supplies.