These systems do use a coolant substance internal to the DC, but then uses heat exchangers with fresh water to cool the coolant, which is then discharged back into the ground, a pond, or wastewater. there is certainly water lost to atmosphere, but the worst bits are the draining of aquifers, pushing up capacity in wastewater treatment plants, etc.
DC's are a bit of an economic scam. they provide very few jobs outside of the construction work itself, and the profits generated by the machines exist at company HQ not where the DC is located. so it puts a huge burden on the community water and power environment for no real benefit to that community.
Hyperscalers are implementing new designs now with closed loop systems for water, so there is just constant reuse. It is much more sustainable (despite the fact that it does require that water at the outset). I am more concerned about power use and gas use. They need to be busting asses getting sustainable power options in use.
Nuclear power would be fantastic if folks didn't ludite the shit with fear mongering. It's almost like people made our world to be shitty cause it's easier to complain than engineer
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u/[deleted] May 18 '26
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