November 7, 2024
5 min read
Rainwater Could Help Satisfy AI’s Water Demands
A few dozen ChatGPT queries require about the same volume of water as a standard bottle. Instead of relying solely on advanced technology, companies in the tech sector should explore more straightforward solutions, such as capturing rainwater, to address the water needs associated with AI.
In a landmark decision in late September, Microsoft announced a new agreement aimed at reviving the notorious Three Mile Island nuclear power plant. Originally the site of a significant meltdown in 1979, this facility is now central to Microsoft’s strategy to power its expanding array of data centers. This revival is indicative of the drastic measures technology firms are willing to undertake to meet the escalating energy requirements of artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Notably, analysts from Transforma Insights predict that by 2030, the global total of Internet of Things devices will swell to almost 30 billion, a staggering increase from under 10 billion in 2020.
Despite these ambitious energy plans that include nuclear and other sustainable energy sources, many leading tech companies have surprisingly neglected to develop comprehensive strategies for addressing another increasingly scarce resource: water.
Data centers, the backbone of modern computing, are substantial consumers of water due to their liquid cooling systems, which are essential for managing the heat produced by servers. Researchers from the University of California, Riverside, have discovered that just five to fifty ChatGPT queries can consume up to 500 milliliters of water, nearly equivalent to the contents of a 16-ounce bottle. The cumulative effect of these demands is significant; for example, Google reported a 20 percent surge in water consumption in 2022 compared to the previous year, driven by intensified AI initiatives. Microsoft experienced an even steeper increase, with water usage escalating by 34 percent during that same timeframe. Projections suggest that by 2027, the total annual water consumption by AI globally will rival that of a small European nation. Alarmingly, many data centers are situated in regions that are already water-stressed. For instance, a Google-operated data center in The Dalles, Oregon, consumed one-third of the city’s water supply during drought conditions.
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While several tech companies are funneling resources into water recycling projects, others are pursuing far-fetched innovations, such as relocating data centers beneath the ocean or transporting seawater inland. Many firms are overlooking the potential costs associated with their water consumption amidst increasing drought concerns. What remains unaddressed is one of the simplest, most feasible strategies for mitigating water scarcity: harvesting rainwater.
The practice of gathering rainwater dates back to ancient civilizations. There is now a renewed interest among advocates for water conservation to capture rain from rooftops and channel it into storage tanks. At data centers, this collected rainwater can be utilized within cooling systems. Recent research indicates that harvesting just a fraction of local rainfall can significantly alleviate water shortages, recharge groundwater supplies, and mitigate pollution from stormwater runoff. Additionally, capturing rainwater avoids the need for a utility middleman, which can make it a more cost-effective option than sourcing equivalent amounts from municipal supplies, all while circumventing the greenhouse gas emissions that arise from transporting water.
Historically, some states and municipalities have restricted rainwater harvesting for both residential and industrial applications due to concerns over water quality and depletion of supply. However, recent policy shifts across numerous states are encouraging the practice, as evidence of conservation benefits continues to grow. Cities such as Tucson and Austin are now embracing rainwater collection by offering incentives and establishing guiding regulations. Major corporations like Apple, Ford, and Toyota have also begun to integrate rainwater harvesting systems in their corporate facilities.
Nonetheless, we contend that data centers represent a massive, yet largely untapped, opportunity for water conservation through rainwater harvesting. The pressing water demands of data centers, paired with their expansive, flat roofs, make them ideal candidates for this solution. For instance, a 50,000-square-foot roof can harvest around 31,000 gallons of water from just one inch of rain, which is comparable to filling an average-sized swimming pool. Furthermore, many data center roofs exceed 100,000 square feet, and some of the larger hyperscale facilities operated by major tech companies can even span up to one million square feet.
However, the adoption of rainwater harvesting by more data centers remains limited. The initial installation costs can deter organizations, ranging from $2 to $5 per square foot, influenced by the complexity and demands for storage and filtration systems. If the cost of municipal water supply remains low, investing in rainwater collection may seem impractical. Compounding this issue is the reality that rainwater systems may not fully meet the substantial water requirements for cooling sprawling data centers, which can consume as much as a million gallons per day.
Nevertheless, the financial viability of rainwater harvesting is becoming increasingly attractive as water resource costs and uncertainties rise, particularly due to the impacts of climate change. Similar to solar panel installations, rainwater harvesting represents a one-time investment that can lead to reduced long-term utility expenses. In certain cases, businesses may be able to allocate existing stormwater management budgets toward implementing rainwater systems. In regions like the greater Dallas area, which is host to numerous data centers, the average rainfall suggests that rainwater harvesting could satisfy up to a third of a data center’s cooling requirements, contingent on size and storage capacity. While arid regions see lower overall rainfall, the typically higher costs for municipal water service make rainwater harvesting a more appealing financial solution. As public concern intensifies regarding the environmental impacts of AI and similar technologies, businesses will face increasing pressure to consider the financial and reputational implications of failing to address water usage.
Some industry pioneers are starting to recognize the potential benefits of rainwater harvesting. A Google data center located in South Carolina has adopted the use of rain retention systems for water capture. Microsoft has similarly implemented rainwater harvesting at a data center in Sweden, significantly lowering its dependency on local water supply resources. Amazon Web Services is also foregrounding the role of rainwater harvesting as a cornerstone of its commitment to environmental sustainability.
At a policy level, green banks—financial institutions dedicated to clean energy efforts—are gaining traction across the country, aided by a substantial $27 billion federal investment from the Inflation Reduction Act. These entities could play an instrumental role in financing rainwater harvesting initiatives. The advantages of rainwater harvesting could garner bipartisan political support—similar to recent renewable energy incentives. Supporters on both sides of the aisle can align with the concept without fully endorsing one another’s perspectives on climate change or opposing fossil fuel interests.
During a pivotal moment when Silicon Valley is re-engaging with energy solutions rooted in past technologies, such as nuclear power, it may seem unusual to address a pressing global issue through an approach as fundamental as rainwater harvesting. Yet, it is often the simplest and oldest technologies that provide the most effective solutions, quite literally falling from the sky.
Why is rainwater harvesting sustainable
E of rainwater harvesting to support its cooling needs. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance sustainability and reduce reliance on municipal water supplies. By implementing a rainwater collection system, the facility can utilize the collected water for cooling towers, thus easing the demand on local water resources and contributing to better environmental stewardship.
As data centers continue to expand and the demand for AI-driven technologies grows, the urgency to address water sustainability becomes even more pressing. Organizations must evaluate innovative solutions like rainwater harvesting, which not only mitigates the risk of water shortages but also aligns with the increasing regulatory scrutiny and public demand for responsible water usage.
Incorporating rainwater harvesting systems can also serve as a marketing advantage in an era where consumers and businesses alike are becoming more eco-conscious. Companies that lead the way in adopting sustainable practices can enhance their brand image, attract more clients, and potentially reduce operational costs.
To summarize, while the challenges of implementing rainwater harvesting in data centers do exist, the long-term benefits in terms of cost savings, environmental impact, and compliance with emerging regulations position this practice as a viable solution. With the combined pressures of climate change, water scarcity, and societal expectations, the time to act is now. Data centers can play a pivotal role in pioneering this approach, turning their extensive roofs into valuable resources for water conservation.