Study maps about a quarter of data centers in seasonally water-stressed areas

Matching 9,347 sites to local water conditions

According to ScienceAlert, researchers mapped currently identified data centers worldwide and compared their locations with local water conditions. They found that around 25% of the 9,347 sites were in areas with a water gap—at least one annual month in which demand outstrips supply. The article says exact facility-level water demand remains poorly disclosed.

The source does not provide a comparable earlier global mapping result for these facilities and water conditions.

The reported study adds a global map linking 9,347 identified data-center locations with local water conditions, finding that about 25% are in places with at least one month each year when water demand exceeds supply.

Distinguishing exposure from observed effects

The mapping links data-center siting to local water limits rather than electricity use alone. The researchers noted that whether this exposure produces operational effects or measurable consequences for other water users remains an open question.