Google sets new water goals for its AI data centers by 2030

In short: Google says it will put back more water than its data centers use by 2030, and it shared new promises about how it will manage water.

What happened

Google published a blog post with five commitments about water use at its data centers. Data centers are large buildings filled with computers that run online services and many AI tools. Like a car engine that needs a radiator, these computers often need cooling, and cooling can use a lot of water.

The company’s main goal is to “replenish” more water than it uses by 2030. In simple terms, Google says it will fund projects that save water or improve water systems so the total benefit is larger than the water it consumes.

Google also said it will invest in local water infrastructure, look for alternative water sources such as reclaimed wastewater (treated water that is reused), and be more transparent about its overall water use. It announced $17 million for new water projects across seven US states. Google says it will keep reporting its annual water use.

The announcement comes as more communities push back on new data centers. A Gallup poll cited in the report found more than 70 percent of Americans oppose having a data center built in their area, and some cited concerns about water use.

Why it matters

As AI grows, companies are building more data centers, and that can increase demand for local water supplies, especially in dry regions. Google is trying to show communities what to ask for when a company proposes a new facility, like clear reporting and investments that help protect nearby water sources. Whether these promises lead to meaningful local improvements will depend on how projects are measured and how closely results are tracked over time.

Source: The Verge AI