Examining US official's claim that data centres 'don't use water'
The BBC fact-checks a claim by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick regarding the water consumption of data centers. Data centers are shown to use significant amounts of water, becoming a point of contention ahead of the US midterm elections.
Why it matters
Addresses the environmental impact of AI infrastructure and the political scrutiny surrounding resource usage in the US.
Examining US official's claim that data centres 'don't use water' Close US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggested that data centres don't use water.
According to the International Energy Agency, a data centre in the United States uses around 2 million litres per day on average.
They have become a controversial topic for communities across the US in the run up to November's midterm elections.
Produced by Aisha Sembhi. Graphics by Mesut Ersoz.
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