Majority of US’s new AI datacenters to be built on drought-hit land
A significant portion of new AI data centers planned in the US are being built in drought-stricken regions, according to an analysis. These facilities, which have substantial water requirements for cooling, are increasingly located in areas already facing severe water scarcity. This trend is exacerbating existing water stress, raising concerns about future resource allocation and potential conflicts between AI infrastructure and other water users. AI
IMPACT AI data center expansion is intensifying water demand in arid regions, potentially leading to resource conflicts and necessitating difficult choices about water allocation.