Infrastructure & Compute
AI water footprint
The water used to support AI, including cooling computers and producing their electricity.
Example
An assessment considers cooling water and water used in electricity generation.
Why people use it
It helps communities understand AI's demands on water supplies.
What you'll hear
“Where is the water being used?”
What this means for you
Check location, measurement boundaries and which water measure is reported.
Can you control it?
No
No direct control. This describes a wider issue, concept or result rather than something you can simply switch on or off in a tool.
Common questions
- Is water withdrawal the same as water consumption?
- No. Withdrawn water can be returned; consumed water is not immediately returned to the same source.
- Is all of the water used at the computer site?
- No. Producing the electricity can also use water elsewhere.
- Does location matter?
- Yes. Using water in a dry area can have different consequences from using it where supplies are plentiful.