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Microsoft has dramatically cut water consumption in its data centers by 90% since its earliest facilities, achieving a 0.27 liters per kilowatt-hour rate last year. The company also announced it is globally water positive for the first time, replenishing more water than it withdraws. These efforts come as public concern grows over data center environmental impacts, leading to similar initiatives from Amazon and Google.
Verdict: Amazon's Efficiency Drive Meets Local Realities Amazon is making significant strides in improving the water efficiency of its data centers, claiming innovations that reduce consumption and position it as a
Grassroots opposition groups successfully blocked or delayed 75 data center projects worth $130 billion across the US in Q1 2026, matching the total disruptions for all of 2025. Driven by concerns over electricity, water, and noise, the number of anti-data center groups has doubled to 833 nationwide, profoundly impacting the AI industry's expansion plans amid shifting public opinion and legislative action.
Sam Altman has dismissed viral claims about ChatGPT’s water usage as "completely untrue." However, he acknowledged the larger, unresolved challenge of AI’s growing energy consumption and overall environmental impact, highlighting it as a significant industry concern.
