Google commits to replenishing more water than it uses at data centers by 2030, laying out five pledges to address backlash over AI infrastructure's environmental impact

Google published five water-use commitments Wednesday, including a goal to replenish more water than it uses at its data centers by 2030, plus investments in local water infrastructure, alternative water sources, and transparency on water use.

Water cooling can reduce data center energy use by approximately 10% compared to air cooling, according to Google's vice president of global infrastructure. Google announced $17 million to support new water stewardship projects across seven states and plans to use reclaimed wastewater as an alternative source.

More than 70 percent of Americans oppose data center construction in their area, with half citing environmental resource impact and 18 percent specifically citing excess water use, according to a recent Gallup poll. AI data centers require vast amounts of water for cooling.