Comment by tzs

The majority of current large data centers use open-loop evaporative water cooling which does in fact consume water.

Most of the consumer water is evaporated but that leaves behind dissolved solids and minerals and so some of the water is used to clean that out. That water also often contains additives like biocides, anti-scale agents, and corrosion inhibitors.

This water is discharged into the sewer system or to municipal wastewater treatment facilities.

Here's an article on the various ways data centers can be cooled and what effect each has on water usage [1].

[1] https://www.fwpcoa.org/content.aspx?page_id=5&club_id=859275...