Google claims it's building data centers that barely use any water

Engadget

by Andre Revilla

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Google is constructing a new data center in Texas that significantly reduces water usage through advanced air-cooling technology. This facility aims to minimize water consumption, with usage limited primarily to essential operations like kitchens. The project follows Google's $40 billion investment over two years and its commitment to adding 7,800 megawatts of net energy capacity to the Texas grid. Despite these efforts, concerns persist about data centers increasing electric bills, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, and consuming vast amounts of fresh water. Critics argue that such facilities often have a substantial environmental footprint. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has dismissed these water-related worries as "fake," noting that training humans also requires significant energy. Meanwhile, tech leaders like Tesla's Elon Musk have proposed building data centers in space to mitigate Earth-based challenges, though experts caution about potential environmental risks. The debate over data center construction highlights growing tensions between technological progress and sustainability. While Google's innovations aim to address water usage and energy demands, critics question whether these measures are sufficient to offset broader impacts. The discussion underscores the importance of balancing technological advancement with environmental responsibility, making it a key issue for those following tech trends and their implications on society.

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Originally published on Engadget on 2/24/2026