Examining US official's claim that data centres 'don't use water'

The claim made by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick that data centres "don't use water" has raised eyebrows in the industry. Data centres, which house servers and computing equipment for major tech companies, are indeed significant consumers of water. They use water for cooling systems to prevent overheating, which can lead to equipment failure.

This misinformation is concerning, especially given the growing scrutiny of data centres' environmental impact. As the demand for digital services and data storage continues to rise, so does the energy and water usage of these facilities. In fact, a study by the Natural Resources Defense Council found that data centres in the US used around 70 billion gallons of water in 2020 alone. The accuracy of information from public officials is crucial, particularly when it comes to discussions about sustainability and environmental policy.

What's next to watch is how this statement affects the ongoing conversation about data centre sustainability and potential regulations around their environmental impact. Industry leaders and policymakers will likely be paying close attention to ensure that data centres are held to high standards of energy and water efficiency. As the sector continues to grow, we can expect increased scrutiny and calls for more accurate information from public officials.

Originally reported by bbc.co.uk. VPNews adds analysis for general news readers.