Google pledges to replenish more water than AI data centers use by 2030

Google is rolling out a five-point plan to mitigate the water consumption of its AI data centers, which have drawn widespread opposition from local communities. The company pledges to achieve net-positive water replenishment by 2030, invest $17 million in water stewardship projects across seven U.S. states, and pursue alternative water sources such as reclaimed wastewater—a method already used in a Georgia county. Google also commits to annual transparency reporting and upgrading local water infrastructure.

The move comes amid a Gallup poll showing over 70% of Americans oppose data centers in their areas, with 18% specifically citing water use. Google's VP of Global Infrastructure, Bikash Koley, notes that U.S. data centers consume less than 1% of water used on lawns annually, and water cooling can reduce energy use by 10%. However, researchers have criticized previous water use estimates for omitting indirect consumption. Google aims to set an industry benchmark, encouraging communities to demand similar commitments from other data center operators.