Major technology firms are addressing growing public opposition to data center water consumption. SpaceX recently highlighted water scarcity risks in its amended IPO filing. Google announced new commitments to manage water use at its facilities.
On Monday, SpaceX updated its public offering documents to note that water scarcity and related regulations could limit data center expansion. A Gallup poll indicated that seven out of ten Americans oppose such developments, with water issues cited as the primary concern. Data centers rely on water mainly for cooling server equipment through evaporative methods. Google's site in Council Bluffs, Iowa, used more than one billion gallons in 2024. Projections from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory suggest hyperscale facilities could require up to 33 billion gallons annually by 2030 under heavy evaporative cooling. Microsoft, OpenAI, and Oracle have stated plans to reduce or eliminate evaporative cooling in projects, including OpenAI and Oracle's Stargate expansion in water-stressed Texas areas. Google took a different path on Wednesday by pledging to replenish more freshwater than it consumes, increase reclaimed water use, and disclose annual consumption data. Ben Townsend, Google's global head of infrastructure and sustainability, emphasized that cooling strategies must fit local conditions. He noted the company has conducted hydrologic assessments for four years. Expert Shaolei Ren from UC Riverside highlighted trade-offs between water savings and increased power demands.
