AI data centers raise questions about water use, cooling

As artificial intelligence demand surges, data centers are facing increased scrutiny over their significant water consumption. Experts, including Penn State Harrisburg professor Shirley Clarke, highlight that cooling high-performance computer chips often requires massive amounts of water through evaporation in cooling towers. While some facilities utilize closed-loop systems or air cooling, the environmental impact of these energy-intensive operations remains a growing concern for local water supplies during periods of extreme heat or drought.