The cloud needs water: How big tech’s data centers are fueling the global water crisis
By Aria Patel – The Times of Innovations
September 15, 2025
The Cloud Needs Water: How Big Tech’s Data Centers Are Fueling the Global Water Crisis
Amazon, Microsoft, and Google’s push to create data centers in some of the world’s driest regions is exacerbating water scarcity issues globally. While the cloud is often portrayed as ethereal and environmentally friendly, the reality is that data centers require massive amounts of water for cooling systems and energy production. As these tech giants expand their operations to meet the growing demand for online services, the strain on local water supplies is becoming increasingly apparent.
Data centers are the backbone of the digital economy, supporting everything from streaming services to e-commerce platforms. However, the environmental impact of these facilities is often overlooked. For example, data centers in the United States alone consume an estimated 626 billion liters of water per year, enough to supply the needs of over 7 million people. In water-stressed regions like the American Southwest or India, this level of consumption can have devastating consequences for local communities and ecosystems.