The Water Crisis in Arizona
Arizona is parched. Governor Katie Hobbs is putting the brakes on construction around Phoenix due to dwindling groundwater supplies. Among the thirsty culprits are several data centers, including a planned behemoth from Google. But before we point fingers at the tech giant, let’s crunch some numbers and get a broader perspective on the issue.
Google’s Water Usage: A Drop in the Ocean
Google’s proposed data center in Mesa, just east of Phoenix, is guaranteed 1 million gallons of water a day for cooling, and up to 4 million gallons if it hits certain project milestones. Sounds like a lot, right? But let’s put that in context. Arizona residents each use about 146 gallons of water a day. Multiply that by the state’s 7 million residents, and you get a daily water consumption of over 1 billion gallons.
So, what’s Google’s share in this? If we do the math, Google’s maximum usage of 4 million gallons a day is less than 0.4% of the total water consumed by Arizona’s residents. That’s less than half of one percent.
The Real Culprits: Unchecked Expansion and Lack of Innovation
The real issue here isn’t Google or any other tech company. It’s the unchecked expansion of Arizona, particularly around Phoenix, without the necessary infrastructure to support it. The state’s groundwater simply can’t keep up with the current pace of building.
What Arizona needs is a pause on expansion until alternative water sources, like atmospheric water generation and oceanwater desalination, can be brought online. These technologies can provide sustainable water supplies that don’t drain the state’s precious groundwater reserves.
Google’s Impact: A Mere Drop in the Bucket
Let’s be clear: cutting off Google from Arizona’s water supply wouldn’t make a significant dent in the state’s water crisis. It’s like trying to empty the ocean with a teaspoon. The real solution lies in sustainable development and innovative water technologies, not in scapegoating tech companies.
Tech Companies and Sustainability
It’s also worth noting that tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Meta are actively seeking more sustainable ways to cool their data centers. They’re investing in water conservation projects and exploring alternative cooling methods that use less water.
Microsoft, for instance, announced in 2021 that its Arizona data centers would use “zero water” for cooling, relying on outside air instead. While this method only works when temperatures are below 85F, it’s a step in the right direction.
The Bottom Line
So, before we blame Google for Arizona’s water woes, let’s remember the bigger picture. The state’s water crisis is a complex issue that requires comprehensive solutions, not simplistic finger-pointing. Tech companies, with their resources and innovative spirit, can be part of the solution, not the problem.
In the end, it’s not about defending Google or any other company. It’s about defending the truth, and the truth is that Arizona’s water crisis won’t be solved by cutting off a few million gallons of water to data centers. It requires a holistic approach that addresses overdevelopment, promotes sustainable practices, and harnesses innovative technologies.
