Amazon data centers reportedly used more than 2.5 billion gallons of water in just one year

AI data centers consume a lot of power to run each computer within them. All that energy can burn hot and gallons of water are used to cool it. An Amazon report reveals how much water the company uses in its data centers. It turns out that’s a lot, and the tech company presents it as a positive, but there’s a lot more to the data when put under the microscope.

Amazon claims the company’s data centers are “seven times more water efficient than the industry average.” Comparisons have been made between Google, Microsoft and Meta, with Amazon claiming it uses less water than other companies’ global data centers. In 2025, Amazon reported using 2.5 billion gallons of water in all of its global data centers for the entire year, which the blog said is less than the 3.3 trillion gallons of water Americans use outdoors per year, according to EPA estimates. Reddit users commented on how Amazon’s reported water usage is low compared to golf course water usage.

The impact is nevertheless shocking, with so much water used in Amazon, Google, Meta and Microsoft AI data centers. AI data centers can do more harm than good by using water and causing potential pollution.

Amazon’s report presents data from other companies considered competitors in the technology sector. The data includes a graph showing water efficiency levels from 2021 to 2025, with icons representing 0.25 liters per kilowatt hour used. In 2024, Amazon/AWS used 0.25, and Google would have used 1.25 liters. However, these numbers may not be accurate, at least not when comparing them across global data centers.

The report shows gallons used by traditional data centers and AI data centers, which use more power-hungry computers to run data. Google’s water consumption data appears to only take into account its data centers that rely on Gemini AI to answer questions.

Amazon is looking for new ways to use less energy in its Amazon data centers and is using “reclaimed” water from wastewater treatment plants instead of potable water, with approximately 26 data centers now powered 100% by reclaimed water. However, all that water consumption could lead to a projected use of 7.7 billion gallons by 2030, according to a leaked statement that explains how Amazon might have considered keeping the public ignorant of how much water it uses.

All this water consumption can and does have an impact on the environment. There are serious concerns about the rise of AI data centers and how they are polluting the planet and consuming its natural resources such as water. Data centers aren’t just thirsty, they’re power hungry and take up a lot of space, which is another online discussion point where commenters aren’t too happy about it.

AI data centers consume enormous amounts of water, with many smaller facilities using up to 300,000 gallons per day, and larger ones using more than five million gallons. This is a problem for many cities, especially those facing drought. This can increase residents’ water bills and lead to shortages during warmer months. Not to mention the impact of data centers on lakes, rivers and streams, with water being taken from these water sources. Even though Amazon uses wastewater, many centers still rely on drinking water, of which there is already an extremely small percentage on Earth.

Data centers have become a hot topic in government, with many states pushing for a ban. More than a dozen states pushed for a ban, with several failing or vetoing the ban in the process. Moratoriums are also being requested to allow more time to understand the effects of data centers on surrounding communities.