Data is a gigantic industry and still growing. It, therefore, requires more resources, including water. The connection might not be immediately apparent, but there’s high water consumption in cloud services. All those data centers require water to keep their servers cool. However, those same data centers also use water to keep the lights on. Generating energy requires water, and data centers need a lot of energy.

Data centers make up about 2% of U.S. energy consumption. It takes just over 7 liters to generate 1 kWh of energy.They then use just under 2 liters of water for every kWh they use. When considering the numbers in detail, the water consumption is high. One company that jumped on the problem was Microsoft. Such a large company uses a lot of water, but they are taking steps to lower its impact.

What Is Microsoft Doing to Help?

Microsoft has always worked to stay as green as possible, but they should address the water usage issue. It’s not a problem that can be solved overnight, so they have given themselves until 2030 to give back more water than they use. They are starting with 40 of their operating areas that are considered to be overstretched. They are exploring multiple ways to make this a reality, with one solution being to put the servers underwater. The actual solution will become apparent in 2021 when they open a data center in Arizona.

The design of these data centers ensures that, for the most part, they use outside air as a cooling solution. It is only when the temperature reaches above 85 degrees Fahrenheit that a water cooling system kicks in. Even then, Microsoft uses evaporative cooling technology. The system works similar to a domestic air conditioning system. Water is circulated through the system, and any heat gets evaporated through the cooling tower. It’s affordable and uses as little water as possible.

Data and Water Problem

Microsoft isn’t just addressing the water use problems in their own systems but through the entire U.S. The only way to ensure water consumption is not having a negative effect is to be able to accurately measure the usage. However, this data is rarely as accessible as it could be. Multiple companies handle water distribution to homes and businesses. The effects of water usage are not always clear. For highly stressed areas, things only worsen, unless there is some way to accurately measure the effects.

Microsoft started to provide a solution by focusing on the Central Valley region of California. They have given a grant to the Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, who then creates software to predict water levels. The Leadership Counsel is using Microsoft’s own Azure solution to create this platform. Once complete, it should be able to estimate how much drinking water is available. This system will help governments prepare for situations when abundant water isn’t available before that becomes the case.

Through the A.I. for Earth program, Microsoft is supporting other similar initiatives. Vector Center is one example. The Center works with state authorities and governments worldwide to help them fully understand the impact of water usage. They focus on areas that still use analog data. Putting that data into a digital format makes it easier to analyze, which is the only way to see the complete picture. Understanding the current situation helps with planning for the future. 

Data and Water Problem solvers

The above points to Microsoft as the company leading the way in water conservation. To an extent, that is correct, but they are not the only ones stepping up. Elemental Excelerator – a startup funding company that focuses on businesses looking to solve the above problems. One such investment was to Neer. Neer, like Microsoft, is a technology company, planning to use machine learning as a solution. They feel that machine learning will allow them to predict and then prevent floods or major leaks in water pipes. Right now, the U.S. spends $2.6 Billion on repairing leaking water pipes. A burst pipe takes a lot of effort and leads to water wastage. Identifying where a problem is likely to occur leads to better use of time and resources, hence saving money and water

Intel is another tech company looking to combat the problem. They have set themselves the target of becoming net positive for their water use by 2030. The end consumer typically won’t know how much water is needed to make computer chips. They want to optimize their water recycling systems and put more water into the current system than they use. They will do this by collecting rainfall, a simple solution, but it will make a difference if it works. It’s for this reason why Intel is one of the Change the World Sustainability All-Stars.

Why Is Water Conservation Necessary?

according to U.N. estimates, the world uses six times more water than it did 100 years ago, with an annual growth of 1%. If you combine that estimate with 660 billion liters of water, data centers are expected to be used in 2020 in the U.S. alone, and it’s clear to see why action is needed. Even when so much water is being used, over two billion people don’t have access to safe drinking water. The demand is increasing, and with climate change, there is less availability. At this stage, human intervention is necessary.  We will all have to follow the example of these data companies. Otherwise, the water will run out.

Data and Water Problem Solving by Tech Companies.

Tech companies might be leading the way in water conservation, but they can’t do it without the public’s backing. The communities that these solutions will most affect need to understand and be invested in the technology. Again, data companies lead the way here. Microsoft and Intel have established platforms that can make the problem clear to the world. Elemental Excelerator feels that there needs to be less technical jargon. Overcomplicating the issue can alienate domestic consumers, though they, too, can help make a difference.

The company’s stakeholders need to be behind the project. At the end of the day, Microsoft, and companies like them, are looking to make money. The efforts need to make financial sense and have business opportunities for the future. A green approach can be an attractive selling point for consumers, so there is not too much concern about financial loss from the projects.

Microsoft has got off to a good start, but they have a target to meet, and it won’t be easy. Fighting climate change and the water shortage is a long term battle. For that reason, the above companies are not just focusing on water usage, but energy and their overall carbon footprint. Data can help with this effort. However, it can’t just be left to Microsoft. Everyone will need to work together for the proposed plans for negative water consumption to become a reality.

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