AI's Hidden Cost: How Big Data Centres Use Our Water

You've probably heard a lot about AI lately, but have you considered what powers these amazing new tools? It's not just electricity; it's also a significant amount of water.

Big tech companies like Oracle and OpenAI (the folks behind ChatGPT) are building massive data centres — essentially huge warehouses filled with computers that run AI programs. These computers generate a lot of heat, and to keep them from melting down, they need constant cooling. Often, this cooling involves using vast quantities of water.

A recent news item from the US highlights this issue, with a permit request for water use on the Saline River connected to a new data centre. This isn't just a concern for overseas communities. As AI becomes more common, Australia will see more of these data centres built here too. It raises questions about how we manage our precious water resources, especially in a country that often battles droughts.

For small business owners and everyday Australians, understanding this helps us ask important questions about sustainable growth. While AI offers exciting possibilities, it's crucial to be aware of its environmental footprint. We need to consider where our power and water come from and how these resources are managed when we embrace new technologies.