Google commits to replenish more water than it consumes at data center sites by 2030

Google has committed to replenish more water than it consumes at its data center sites by 2030. The company pledged to modernize water and wastewater infrastructure and to protect at-risk watersheds by deploying air-cooled solutions rather than water cooling except where local resources are healthy. It will pursue alternative and reclaimed solutions, working with utility partners to identify freshwater alternatives such as reclaimed wastewater. Google announced a $17 million investment to support new projects across seven US states. Partnerships include wetland enhancement in Georgia with Ducks Unlimited, perennial hay systems in Iowa, green infrastructure in Michigan, floodplain forest restoration in Minnesota, wetland restoration in Missouri, water line leak detection in Nebraska, and community water support in Texas. The hyperscaler is evaluating more than 700 projects submitted through a recent Water Replenishment Projects Request for Information. It has 165 water stewardship projects across 97 watersheds globally. The commitment comes amid concerns over water use by AI data centers, with other major hyperscalers making similar pledges.