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AI's Growing Thirst: Data Centers Contribute to Water Scarcity Crisis
AI's growing demand for data centers is causing significant strain on freshwater resources, particularly in areas already facing water scarcity, according to new research.
As artificial intelligence continues to dominate industries and daily life, the physical infrastructure supporting its growing demands, especially data centers, has come under scrutiny. While energy consumption has long been the focus, recent research highlights another critical cost: water. Data centers, essential for AI operations, are now consuming massive amounts of freshwater, particularly in river basins already experiencing water stress. A study found that nearly 45% of these data centers are located in such high risk areas.