AI data centers in Scotland draw concern over massive water use

By Merve Berker

ANKARA (AA) – Data centers in Scotland that power artificial intelligence (AI) systems are consuming growing amounts of water, with usage now equivalent to filling over 27 million half-liter (3.5 million gallons) bottles each year, media reports said Thursday.

Freedom of information data reveals that the amount of tap water used by Scotland's 16 data centers has quadrupled since 2021, largely due to the rise in demand for generative AI tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, according to the BBC.

AI systems require large warehouses of high-powered computing equipment that generate heat and need extensive water cooling to function.

Scottish Water described the rise in consumption as “significant,” although it still accounts for only 0.005% of the country’s total water supply.

“We would like to try to look for other alternative solutions rather than using precious tap water,” the BBC quoted Colin Lindsay, operations manager at Scottish Water, as saying.

He warned that upcoming developments, including a major AI industrial park near Irvine in Ayrshire, could increase water demand even more: “If we had to supply all that with tap water, then that would be a real concern.”

Most current Scottish data centers use “open loop” cooling systems that require continuous fresh water input.

The industry is beginning to adopt “closed loop” systems, which recirculate water but may increase energy consumption.

To offset this, Scottish Water encourages developers to place open-loop systems near wastewater treatment plants, using treated effluent rather than fresh water.

- ‘Huge amount of’ carbon dioxide emissions, water use

A study by the University of Glasgow found that water usage by AI-related data centers is equivalent to every person in Scotland drinking an additional 2.48 liters per year. The carbon footprint is also high, equating to each resident driving an extra 90 miles (145 kilometers) annually.

“These figures are very significant,” said Professor Ana Basiri, director of the university’s Centre for Data Science and AI.

“There is a huge amount of carbon dioxide emissions and water use related to data centers that we often forget about,” she said, according to the media outlet.

Basiri called for stronger environmental reporting by private tech firms.

“We can't really measure this because ... there is not necessarily a big mandate from the government to report on the detail of the energy or water use,” she said.

She urged carbon targets and tax penalties to push firms toward sustainability.

- 'AI tool uses 13 times more energy than basic Google search'

An AI tool like ChatGPT consumes about 13 times more energy than a basic Google search, she said.

People can reduce their "AI footprint," she said, by using AI tools more efficiently and limiting unnecessary tasks like excessive chatbot use or image generation.

The UK is considered the third-largest host of data centers globally, behind the US and Germany.

Despite environmental concerns, Scotland continues to attract AI investments due to its cool climate, renewable energy capacity, and tech infrastructure.

OpenAI said it supports “water-positive” initiatives and is investing in sustainable data centers, including one in Norway powered entirely by renewables and expected to use closed-loop cooling systems.

A Scottish government spokesperson said the country’s growth in AI must align with net zero goals.

“Developers are encouraged to adopt measures such as closed loop systems or use treated final effluent as a sustainable water source,” the spokesperson added.