As our world becomes increasingly digital, a hidden cost is surging beneath the surface: water. Behind every search, stream, and cloud-based service lies a network of data centres that depend on vast quantities of water to keep servers cool and running efficiently. While these facilities power our modern lives, their growing demand for water is placing unprecedented pressure on local supplies, often in regions already facing scarcity. This article explores the scale of data centres’ water use and why it’s becoming a critical issue for communities, policymakers, and the planet. The average 100 megawatt data centre consumes about two million litres of water every day.
We encourage you to read the latest National Observer op-ed by Maude Barlow (December 5, 2025), which shines a powerful light on the immense pressure data centres will place on our precious water resources.
[photo credit National Observer – Shutterstock]
