Rystad Energy estimates that direct data center cooling-water consumption could rise from 222 billion liters in 2025 to nearly 644 billion liters in 2030, while aggressive conservation could limit it to 388 billion liters. Cooling technology, climate, and electricity supply can dramatically alter a facility’s total water footprint.
Data centers primarily use water to remove heat generated by computing equipment, but consumption varies significantly depending on cooling technology and location. AI servers generate substantially more heat, but the rise of AI does not necessarily mean a proportional increase in water consumption.
According to Rystad Energy estimates, without water-saving measures in place, global water consumption by data centers could rise to 644 billion liters per year by 2030. However, active mitigation could reduce demand to 388 billion liters.
