TechnologyFebruary 2, 2026

AI and Water: Why Data Centers Matter for Local Supplies

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② Start Lesson

Key Vocabulary

data center/ˈdeɪ.tə ˌsɛn.tər/

A large building with many computers that store and process information.

"My phone connects to a data center to save photos."

cooling/ˈkuː.lɪŋ/

The process of making machines or spaces less hot.

"The servers need cooling when they run fast."

reclaimed water/rɪˈkleɪmd ˈwɔː.tər/

Used water that is cleaned and used again for non-drinking tasks.

"The site uses reclaimed water for outdoor cooling."

Listening

AI and Water: Why Data Centers Matter for Local Supplies

Big tech companies use water to cool computers in data centers. Microsoft uses water in many of its centers. In 2020 Microsoft used about 7.9 billion liters of water. By 2024 its use rose to about 10.4 billion liters.

As AI work grows, Microsoft expected more water use. Early estimates showed as much as 28 billion liters in 2030, but the company revised that to about 18 billion liters after new cooling designs. Microsoft is testing next‑generation designs that avoid water evaporation and plans pilot sites in Phoenix and Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin. The company also uses reclaimed water and works to use less water per unit of energy.

108 words

Quiz

1. How much water did Microsoft use in 2020?

2. How much water did Microsoft use in 2024?

3. Where does Microsoft plan pilot sites?

Reading Practice

Read the article from the Listening section aloud. Your AI teacher will give you pronunciation feedback.

Discussion

Do you use devices that connect to big data centers? How often do you think about their energy or water use?

Have you ever experienced a local water shortage? What happened in your area?

Do you think new technologies can reduce water use where you live? Why or why not?