Surging Number of Data Centers Around the Great Lakes Could Lead to Water Shortages, Report Says

Surging number of data centers around the Great Lakes could lead to water shortages, report says

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Report: Surging number of data centers around the Great Lakes could lead to water shortages

Data centers require massive volumes of water to operate, and the growing use of AI means more of these centers are popping up in water-abundant regions like the Great Lakes.

Data centers are drawn to the Great Lakes region — but is it prepared for water and energy usage?

The booming growth of data centers brings the promise of high-paying jobs and economic investment. That’s especially true in Ohio and other parts of the ...

Daywatch: Surging data centers could lead to water shortages

Good morning, Chicago. Data centers require massive volumes of water to operate, and the growing use of artificial intelligence means more of these centers are popping up in water-abundant regions such as the Great Lakes. However, despite their access to the vast bodies of water, not all communities in or near the Great Lakes basin have the capacity to sustainably support this industry, experts say. A recent report warns the region is not prepar…

Surging number of data centers around the Great Lakes could lead to water shortages, report says – Chicago Tribune/Yahoo

Every Great Lakes state has passed tax incentive legislation to encourage data centers to locate there. But these incentives are not “reflective of where water is available — and where it isn’t,” said Helena Volzer, author of the report and senior source water policy manager at the nonprofit Alliance for the Great Lakes. In addition, data centers are not required to report their water consumption.

Data centers consume massive amounts of water – companies rarely tell the public exactly how much - Insurance Dimes

Written By: Peyton McCauley, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Melissa Scanlan,