AI Data Center’s Insatiable Thirst: One Nation’s Worst Drought in Decades Spells Doom for Global Water Supplies!
New Delhi, October 15, 2025 – The rise of AI data centers is sparking a hidden crisis. These massive facilities guzzle huge amounts of water. In 2023, Uruguay faced its worst drought in 75 years. During that time, plans for new AI data centers added to the pain. Now, experts warn India could face similar troubles. This story looks at how tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft are linked to growing water shortages around the world.
The Uruguay Drought and Google’s Big Plans
Uruguay’s drought in 2023 was brutal. Rivers ran dry. People mixed saltwater into drinking supplies. Amid this, Google announced a huge cloud data center. It was set to use 7.6 million liters of water each day. That’s enough for 22,000 people. Locals were furious. They called it “pillage” of their water. Protests broke out in Canelones department. Residents said the center would suck water from the Santa Lucia River. This river feeds Montevideo’s water supply.
Google’s plan was worth $100 million at first. But water worries grew. The company did not hold public hearings. People felt ignored. Sociologist Daniel Pena warned the project could dry the river more. In Montevideo, taps now give salty water. Many buy bottled water to drink. The drought lasted months. It was the worst since 1949. Farms suffered. Crops failed. The government declared emergencies.
Google later changed its mind. In 2024, it got approval after switching to air cooling. But air cooling uses more electricity. And making electricity often needs water too. Critics say it’s not a full fix. The center will still emit 25,000 tons of greenhouse gases yearly. This adds to climate change, which worsens droughts.
Water Woes Spread to Chile
Chile faces similar issues with AI data centers. The country has long droughts. Google planned a $200 million center in Cerrillos, near Santiago. But locals worried about water use. The area is dry. Wetlands are at risk. In 2024, Google paused the project. They said they would rethink cooling systems.
Activists in Quilicura protested too. Tech giants like Amazon have centers there. These use lots of water for cooling. One center can take millions of liters daily. Chile’s drought started in 2018. It hit a peak in 2023. Courts stepped in. They canceled permits for some projects. People fear more data centers will drain groundwater. This hurts farms and homes.
In Aragon, Spain, Amazon’s centers use water from stressed areas. But the story links to Chile and Mexico too. Tech firms promise to be “water positive.” That means giving back more water than they use. But details are vague. Transparency is low.
AI Data Centers Drain U.S. Resources
In the United States, AI data centers are booming. They consume billions of gallons of water yearly. In 2023, U.S. centers used 211 billion gallons indirectly. Direct use is high too. A single center can take 5 million gallons per day. That’s like a small town’s supply.
Google’s centers in Iowa used the most water in 2023. Places like Arizona and Texas are dry. Yet, centers sprout there. Amazon, Microsoft, and Google build in arid spots. Why? Low humidity prevents rust on machines. But it stresses local water.
In Memphis, Elon Musk’s xAI built a supercomputer fast. It took 122 days. But concerns rose about water and air. The area has poor, Black communities. They worry about groundwater pollution. xAI uses gas turbines. These emit smog. Nitrogen dioxide levels rose 3%. Locals say they can’t breathe. The center may use 5 million gallons of water daily. Arsenic threatens drinking water nearby.
Tech companies hide usage data. Researchers use public info only. In 2021, Google’s U.S. centers withdrew 4.2 billion gallons. Most was consumed, not returned.
India’s Looming Water Crisis from AI Data Center
India is next in line for AI data center growth. Google plans a massive one in Visakhapatnam. It’s worth $15 billion over five years. This is India’s first big AI hub. It will handle cloud and AI needs. But environmental fears are rising.
Visakhapatnam is a port city. Water resources are key. The center could boost jobs. But it may strain water supplies. India faces water stress in many areas. Droughts hit often. Adding thirsty data centers could worsen it.
Google says it will use clean energy. They plan 1 gigawatt capacity. This includes renewables. But cooling needs water. Experts worry about local impact. No full details on water use yet.
Other firms may follow. Amazon and Microsoft eye India too. If not managed, this could lead to shortages like in Uruguay or Chile.
Future Projections: Water Consumption Set to Double
By 2030, AI data centers water use may double. Globally, it could hit 1,200 billion liters yearly. In the U.S., it might quadruple. AI demand drives this. Chatbots and models need more power.
One study says centers could use 1.7 trillion gallons by 2030. That’s huge. In water-stressed spots, it’s a risk. Climate change adds pressure. More heat means more cooling water.
Solutions and Calls for Change
Tech firms promise fixes. Google aims for water-positive by 2030. They reuse water. Some use seawater cooling. In Sweden, centers use cold air and clean power. One is made of wood. It’s eco-friendly.
People can help. Use simple tools over AI for small tasks. Governments need rules. Demand transparency on water use. Courts in Chile set examples.
AI brings progress. But without care, it could dry our planet. Uruguay’s 2023 drought rings a bell. India must heed it. Balance tech with water security now.
This crisis shows tech’s hidden cost. Water is life. AI data centers must not steal it. As growth speeds, solutions are urgent. The world watches.