AI’s Thirst: Big Tech’s Growing Water Appetite
Associated Press reports that AI systems like ChatGPT consume approximately 0.5 liters of water for every 5 to 50 prompts or questions posed by users.
The AI revolution has led to a surge in water usage, primarily for powering and cooling the power-hungry hardware.
In 2022, Microsoft’s water consumption surged by 34%, while Google reported a 20% increase in water usage during the same period.
Notably, ChatGPT’s GPT-4 models were trained in data centers located near cornfields in Des Moines, Iowa.
This increased demand for water has had financial implications, with residential rates at Des Moines Water Works surging by nearly 80% since 2007, as reported by local media.
In 2022, Microsoft’s water consumption surged by 34%, while Google reported a 20% increase in water usage during the same period.
Notably, ChatGPT’s GPT-4 models were trained in data centers located near cornfields in Des Moines, Iowa.
This increased demand for water has had financial implications, with residential rates at Des Moines Water Works surging by nearly 80% since 2007, as reported by local media.
