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Concerns Grow Over Water Supply Amid UK’s AI Ambitions

Sir Keir Starmer’s vision for making the UK a pioneer in Artificial Intelligence (AI) raises significant environmental concerns, particularly regarding the nation’s already stretched drinking water supplies, according to reports from industry experts.

The major data centres essential for supporting AI technologies are notorious for their high water consumption, which is necessary for cooling systems to prevent overheating. Despite advancements toward more efficient cooling technologies that aim to mitigate this issue, the government acknowledges that these facilities encounter serious sustainability challenges.

As part of its strategy to unlock economic growth, the government has announced plans to construct multiple data centres across the UK. Ministers maintain that these energy-intensive server farms will receive prioritized access to the electrical grid, which has led to skepticism about how this expansion aligns with the UK’s clean energy goals set for 2030.

However, the potential impact of data centres on the availability of fresh water has not received ample attention. Regions in southern England are already facing threats of water shortages due to climate change and rising population levels. In response, the government has backed the development of nine new reservoirs aimed at mitigating water rationing during droughts, some of which are located in areas earmarked for new data centres.

The initial “AI growth zone” will be established in Culham, Oxfordshire, close to a planned reservoir at Abingdon. This reservoir is intended to supply water to consumers in the Thames Valley, London, and Hampshire, but the extent of water extraction required by nearby data centres raises concerns.

Thames Water is reportedly in discussions with the government to address the anticipated demand for water due to data centre development and strategies to alleviate potential shortages. Moreover, the Royal Academy of Engineering has suggested that all data centers must provide transparent reporting on their energy and water usage, in addition to adhering to strict environmental sustainability guidelines.

Professor Tom Rodden, a co-author of the report, warns that the unchecked growth of AI could lead to irreversible environmental harm without proper regulatory frameworks.

The technology sector has generally been reluctant to disclose specific water usage metrics, and many data centres did not respond to inquiries about their water consumption. Data centres primarily depend on mains water instead of surface water to avoid contamination that can impact cooling systems, and usage can vary significantly based on environmental conditions.

Typically, a data centre can consume between 11 million and 19 million litres of water daily, equivalent to the daily needs of a medium-sized town. This figure, derived from research in arid climates, may not account for the latest cooling efficiency advancements. Notably, Microsoft’s water consumption markedly increased by 34% while developing AI tools, and specific data centre clusters have been known to utilize significant proportions of local water resources.

Concerns are escalating globally regarding the environmental implications of data centres. In regions with limited water availability, companies like Google have halted construction projects or reengineered cooling systems in response to local protests. In the UK, Thames Water has cautioned its data centre clientele that water usage might be restricted during periods of excessive heat.

In 2022, the firm indicated a need for a comprehensive review of water use by data centres, particularly in light of the anticipated introduction of hosepipe bans during dry spells. However, subsequent strategy documents revealed a lack of clarity regarding the water consumption patterns of existing data centre clients, raising alarms about the future management of water supply.

The UK government recognizes these sustainability challenges tied to data centres’ water demands. It has pledged to foster AI growth in areas where the existing energy and water infrastructure can accommodate such developments. Furthermore, by revising regulations, Ofwat aims to facilitate significant investment in water services over the next five years.

Proponents of the data centre industry claim contemporary facilities are already exhibiting improved efficiency, citing advancements in cooling methodologies designed to conserve water. Market leaders like Microsoft are investing in closed-loop cooling systems, which repurpose water, and other innovative technologies aimed at reducing environmental impact.

Despite these advancements, the ongoing demand for water due to planned expansions complicates the situation. Experts suggest that better forecasting and planning of water usage by data centres are imperative, alongside exploring alternative water sources, including reuse systems.

Without concerted efforts from the tech industry and regulators, the potential escalation in water demand poses a significant risk to the UK’s long-term water supply, warranting urgent attention from both government authorities and industry stakeholders.

Source
www.bbc.com