Comment by simonw
6 months ago
That's a really good point - you're right, comparing data center usage to potable water usage by towns is a different and more valid comparison than comparing with water for irrigation.
6 months ago
That's a really good point - you're right, comparing data center usage to potable water usage by towns is a different and more valid comparison than comparing with water for irrigation.
They made a good point, but keep in mind that they're doing a "rules for thee, not for me" sometimes.
The same person who mentioned potable water being an important distinction also cited a report on data center water consumption that did not make the distinction (where the 628M number came from).
The problem is many data centers are in areas where water systems are supply constrained... - https://spectrum.ieee.org/ai-water-usage