Crypto Briefing • October 10th 2026, 1:22 AM
US data centers’ water use to quadruple by 2028 amid scarcity concerns
Key Summary
A recent report warns that US data centers' water use is expected to quadruple by 2028 due to water scarcity and drought conditions. The Environmental Protection Agency is exploring ways to overcome regulatory barriers to recycled-water cooling, and policymakers are considering strategies to address the rising demand for water.
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US Data Centers Face Water Scarcity Concerns by 2028
Overview of Water Scarcity in US Data Centers
A recent report highlights the growing challenge of water scarcity driven by data centers and prolonged drought conditions. The report suggests that reusing treated industrial discharge onsite could help mitigate the impact of these factors. As data centers continue to expand, particularly in water-scarce regions, policymakers and industry leaders are exploring various strategies to address the rising demand for water.Increasing Water Usage in US Data Centers
In the US, data centers' water usage is expected to increase significantly from 17.4 billion gallons in 2023 to 72.6 billion gallons by 2028. The Environmental Protection Agency's 2026 water-reuse plan, involving key players like Amazon Web Services, is aimed at overcoming regulatory barriers to recycled-water cooling.Exploring Alternative Solutions
The report emphasizes the urgency of water issues exacerbated by data centers and drought, suggesting a need for alternative solutions. Reuse of treated industrial discharge is being considered as a practical measure to alleviate water scarcity, indicating a trend towards sustainable practices.#US#WaterScarcity#DataCenters#EPA