A recent study conducted by Lorenzo Rosa and his colleagues indicates that at least 25% of data centers worldwide are situated in regions experiencing seasonal water shortages. The research mapped thousands of facilities against local water availability data to assess potential operational risks.
The findings highlight significant resource management challenges in areas characterized by high water stress. While the study does not establish a direct causal link between data center operations and local water scarcity, it emphasizes the growing pressure on regional water supplies.
These results are currently influencing policy discussions in the United States, specifically in Oklahoma and Louisiana. Both states are evaluating the potential implementation of moratoriums on new data center projects, with observers monitoring legislative actions and statements from governors Kevin Stitt and Jeffrey M. Landry.
