On-site consumption can come from evaporative cooling, while power generation can create an indirect water footprint. The amount varies by climate, cooling design, workload and energy source.
The same volume has different consequences in water-stressed and water-abundant regions. Disclosure should separate withdrawals from consumption and explain sources, seasons and mitigation.
ELI5
Data center water consumption is the water used to run a data center, especially for cooling, plus water used elsewhere to generate its electricity. The amount changes with climate, cooling design, workload and energy source.
For example, evaporative cooling can lower equipment temperature by turning water into vapor. Using that method in a dry region can have a much larger community impact than using the same amount where water is plentiful, so reports should identify source, season and actual consumption.
