Data Centers' Thirst: Engineers Tackle Cooling Water Demands
Summary
Data centers consume enormous amounts of water for cooling servers and equipment, posing new challenges and opportunities for civil engineers to design efficient water systems, minimize consumption, and collaborate with utilities for sustainable operations.
Key Points
- Data centers consume enormous amounts of water for cooling servers and other equipment
- Data centers rank among the top water-consuming industries in the US, drawing water from 90% of US watersheds
- Civil engineers can help data centers manage water usage through water balance studies, efficient cooling system design, and working with utilities