Will we run out of good drinking water because of AI technology needing fresh water?

[Anonymous]

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

It starts in rural spaces first. Wells that suddenly get dirty because the natural water around them has become contaminated. The water changes color and takes on more contaminants, making it unsafe to drink or bathe in. Then, in time, the effects start to make their way into main water lines in suburbs. It’s not noticeable, at first. Then a few people will comment on how the water smells funny, tastes funny, different. It’ll be dismissed, just a minor issue with their properties, nothing to worry about. But that number will grow, and soon the contaminants become more apparent, not just in the way the water changes color, but in the new outbreaks of illnesses that seem to be spreading from poor drinking water. But it won’t be the only source, and again, people will say it’s not the water but something else they were exposed to. By the time the contaminants reach the city waterlines, the local government will have changed the standards for safe drinking water to lie and say “See! Look! This water meets these standards that we’ve always had and it’s perfectly safe! You’re all just panicking over nothing, sillies.” But it won’t change.

[FreyaRed]

AI doesn't need water. It's just evaporation cooling is much more effective than air cooling alone. However this water condenses and falls as rain back to ground.
Other industries like farming or metal refining are much worse water destroyer, because they pollute surface and groundwaters.

[Anonymous]

With every AI prompt, we probably end up using around 0.5 milliliters of water. By now, I’ve probably used the equivalent of three Olympic swimming pools If AI becomes widespread in every industry and no precautions are taken for cooling systems, some countries, especially those already struggling with water shortages, could face serious problems.

[jshm2]

AI doesn't need fresh water.

The problem is America is still a 3rd world country in terms of infrastructure. China and the Arab states have much more advanced infrastructure and run datacentres with much less water usage.

America is like an Amish guy, trying to live in the 21st century.

[slatyb]

It's pretty stupid to put data centers in areas with limited water. We should put them in northern Ontario and Quebec where there is infinite fresh water and hydroelectric power.

[Jessica405]

Very unikely. The water used can be cooled in cooling towers or by other means and tyen be reused.

[Iron_Man]

I never drink tapwater. I drink Zephyrhills springwater out of Florida I buy it at the store. Once in a while, I’ll Get Avion water and Mountain Valley water

[ChicoFromThe305]

I don't think so cause they will just reuse the same water I think

[Anonymous]

Possibly. Notice the global warming guys leave out AI.

[Anonymous]

Yes, that is the intention so the elites can depopulate the planet

[queenofcardio]

You're actually so funny

[Anonymous]

I didn't know computer code needed water.