As the global demand for artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital services grows rapidly, data centres are expanding across the world. But experts warn that these massive digital facilities come with a hidden environmental cost extremely high water consumption, especially in countries already facing water scarcity.
Large data centres require enormous amounts of water to keep their servers cool. Powerful computers inside these facilities generate significant heat while processing and storing vast amounts of information. To prevent overheating, cooling systems often rely on water-based technologies. According to industry estimates, a single large data centre can consume up to 1.8 million litres of water per day roughly equivalent to the daily water needs of tens of thousands of households.
The growing footprint of these facilities has sparked concerns in regions where water resources are already under pressure. Countries with frequent droughts or cities where residents struggle with irregular water supply could face additional stress if large data infrastructure expands without careful planning.
Experts say the issue becomes particularly sensitive in developing economies. Governments often encourage technology companies to build data centres to boost digital infrastructure, attract investment and support services such as AI, fintech and e-commerce. However, critics argue that the environmental cost is not always discussed openly.
Most water used in data centres goes toward cooling towers that regulate the temperature of servers. When water evaporates during the cooling process, it must be constantly replenished. In hot climates, the amount of water required increases even further because servers heat up faster.
Environmental researchers warn that rapid expansion of such facilities could intensify competition for water between industries and communities. In places where groundwater levels are already declining, heavy industrial use could worsen shortages for agriculture and households.
Technology companies say they are aware of the concerns and are working on solutions. Some firms are experimenting with air-cooling systems, recycled wastewater and seawater cooling to reduce freshwater consumption. Others are investing in technologies that allow servers to operate efficiently at higher temperatures, reducing the need for constant cooling.
Despite these efforts, critics say transparency is still limited. Many companies do not publicly disclose the exact amount of water used by individual facilities, making it difficult for regulators and local communities to assess the environmental impact.
With the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and digital services, the number of data centres worldwide is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. Experts say the challenge now is balancing technological expansion with sustainable water management.
For countries already struggling with dry taps and shrinking water reserves, the thirst of the digital economy could soon become a critical policy question.
