How much water does AI consume?

The increasing discussion around artificial intelligence (AI) often overlooks its significant water consumption, essential for onsite server cooling and electricity generation for data centers. Large AI models like GPT-3 require vast amounts of energy, leading to notable water consumption. AI's operational water footprint, comprising scope-1 onsite and scope-2 offsite water usage, along with scope-3 embodied water consumption, poses a challenge given the global water scarcity. Transparency regarding AI's water footprint is lacking compared to its carbon footprint, complicating efforts to address water sustainability. Monitoring and publicizing AI’s water usage can drive better resource management and equitable solutions to mitigate its environmental impact.

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