One-Third of Global Data Centers Could Face Water Shortages Within a Decade Due to Climate Warming

Water Scarcity Threatens a Quarter of the World's Data Centers

According to НВ — Техно: Approximately 25% of global data centers operate in regions experiencing water shortages for at least one month annually, where water demand exceeds supply. If global temperatures rise by 3°C, this proportion is expected to climb to 33% within the next ten years. An international research team analyzed 9,347 known data centers and found that 2,315 are located in areas facing water scarcity.

Data centers require large volumes of water to cool their systems, intensifying competition for water resources alongside urban populations, municipalities, and agricultural activities. Key findings include:

• 41% of data centers compete directly with cities and local governments for water;
• 28% face primary competition from the agricultural sector;
• 523 data centers endure water shortages for at least nine months each year.

To put this in perspective, major data centers may consume as much daily water as a city of 50,000 people.

The water used for cooling is typically drawn from local rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers. Researchers highlight that many technology companies do not fully disclose their data centers’ water consumption. The United States is projected to experience the most significant increase in water scarcity challenges, while the impact in the UK and Germany is expected to be relatively minor.

Lorenzo Rosa, one of the study's authors, emphasizes: "Data centers are not situated in isolated locations but near cities and farmlands that also rely heavily on water resources."

To reduce freshwater usage, potential strategies include:

• Utilizing treated wastewater;
• Employing desalinated seawater;
• Enhancing cooling technologies.

Implementing these measures could alleviate pressure on limited water supplies amid growing demand.

The expanding presence of data centers in water-stressed regions threatens not only critical digital infrastructure but also the well-being of local communities competing for scarce water. This challenge takes on greater urgency as climate change is expected to exacerbate water shortages worldwide. Adopting innovative water management practices will be essential to support sustainable growth in both technology and surrounding ecosystems.