Thirsty work: how the rise of massive datacentres strains Australia’s drinking water supply

• The rapid expansion of datacentres in Australia, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, is raising alarms as their water consumption is projected to exceed the total drinking water supply of Canberra within the next decade. This surge in demand is attributed to the cooling needs of these facilities amid the ongoing AI boom.
• This development poses significant challenges for Australia's water resources, as the increasing reliance on datacentres could strain already limited supplies, potentially impacting the availability of drinking water for residents in affected areas.
• The situation highlights a broader concern regarding the sustainability of datacentres, as they are also expected to triple their electricity demand in the coming years, raising questions about their compatibility with Australia's net zero ambitions and overall environmental impact.

— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System