An average 30-minute interaction with AI uses about 600 milliliters of water, with nearly 83% of that going toward generating the electricity that powers data centers. As AI adoption accelerates, the industry is focused, rightly, on adding reliable megawatts. But power generation depends on water. When water is scarce, output can be constrained. That makes water availability a limiting factor on new power capacity, and on AI growth itself.
The power sector has an opportunity here. Since it uses the most water in AI, it can lead efforts to reduce the strain on local water supplies through reuse and smarter systems. We have the tools: reuse, leak detection, and partnerships between energy producers and utilities can strengthen water security while enabling continued capacity expansion. The next phase of power growth starts with acting on water today.
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