Data centers in California are expanding into water-stressed regions, yet the public remains largely unaware of how much water they consume.
A new report by think tank Next10 and researchers at Santa Clara University highlights the growing concern over data centers’ impact on water resources, especially in vulnerable communities. The report, titled “The Intersection of Data Center Development, Water Availability, and Environmental Justice In California,” reveals that these facilities are increasingly being built in areas like the Central and Imperial Valleys, which rely heavily on overtapped groundwater and strained surface water.
The report emphasizes the lack of transparency regarding water use by data centers, making it difficult for communities and policymakers to plan effectively. Stephanie Leonard, Director of Research at Next10, stated, “Without that information, it’s incredibly difficult to plan responsibly or evaluate community tradeoffs.” Next10’s report suggests that stronger oversight and more comprehensive data are needed to align data center growth with California’s environmental goals.
The researchers found that data centers often avoid public disclosure of their water use due to a patchwork of state, federal, and local policies. This lack of information complicates efforts to manage water resources effectively, especially in regions already facing climate-related challenges. Iris Stewart-Frey, a hydrologist at Santa Clara University, noted that the impacts of water-intensive facilities extend beyond their immediate locations, adding cumulative pressure on regional water supplies.
Efforts to mandate water use disclosures have faced setbacks. Last year, California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill requiring data centers to report their water use, citing concerns over the impact on businesses. However, new legislative efforts are underway to address this issue, including bills that would require more detailed reporting and prohibit development in critically overdrafted basins without state approval.
The report concludes that while data centers are vital to California’s digital economy, their expansion must be accompanied by better transparency and integrated planning to ensure sustainable water management. As Irina Raicu, Director of the Internet Ethics Program at Santa Clara University, stated, “AI may seem abstract, but its infrastructure has very real impacts.”
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