Tech companies are exploring strategies to address water consumption, including "replenishment" projects to offset their water usage. Google currently replenishes 6% of its water consumption and aims to replenish 120% by 2030. Microsoft has 27 replenishment projects expected to recover 35 million cubic meters of water. However, these efforts are minimal compared to the companies' overall water consumption. The tech industry faces a significant challenge as water resources become increasingly scarce, and demand is expected to surpass supply by 40% by 2030.
Key takeaways:
- Water consumption in the tech industry, particularly in data centers, is a significant concern. Microsoft and Google reported a 34% and 21% increase in water use in 2022, respectively, primarily due to the need to keep data center temperatures stable.
- ChatGPT and other AI systems like Microsoft Bing Chat and Google Bard, due to their computer power requirements and widespread adoption, have the potential to dramatically increase water consumption rates. Training GPT-3 in Microsoft's data centers can directly consume 700,000 gallons of clean, fresh water.
- US data centers, which number 2,701, are tapping into freshwater reserves, primarily in densely populated coastal regions. This is causing strain on these water sources, particularly in warm climates, and outstripping natural replenishment cycles.
- Major tech companies like Microsoft, Google, Meta, and Amazon are exploring strategies to address water consumption, including "replenishment" projects designed to offset their water usage. However, the demand for water is likely to surpass supply by 40% by 2030, highlighting the need for a balance between technical advancement and environmental sustainability.