Rising Heat Threatens Data Centers, Risks Service Outages

As global temperatures continue to climb, a new report warns that roughly one-third of the world’s data centers are now at increased risk of water shortages. For everyday people, this means the online services we rely on—from Netflix and Zoom calls to online banking and school assignments—could become less reliable, more expensive, or even experience sudden outages. The story isn’t just about technology—it’s about how climate change and the growing demands of artificial intelligence (AI) are starting to hit home in ways we can all feel.

What Happened

The warning comes from a report covered by AZoCleantech, which highlights that as heatwaves and droughts become more common, data centers—the backbone of the internet—are struggling to secure enough water to keep their servers cool. These facilities are not just buildings full of computers; they are massive, energy-hungry operations that often use millions of gallons of water each year to prevent overheating.

Why does this matter now? Because the explosion of AI, cloud computing, and streaming services has led to a surge in new data centers, especially in the United States, Europe, and parts of Asia. Big tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have poured billions into building bigger, faster data centers. For example, Google’s data center in The Dalles, Oregon, used over 274 million gallons of water in 2021 alone. As climate change drives up temperatures, these facilities are forced to use even more water to stay online.

Until now, most people haven’t had to think about where their emails or TikTok videos “live.” But as about one-third of these centers face water stress, the risk of outages, slower service, or higher bills is no longer just a far-off problem.

How This Affects Everyday People

For workers, families, students, and anyone who depends on the internet, the effects are already starting to show. Imagine you’re working from home and suddenly can’t access your files because your company’s cloud service is down. Or your child is in the middle of a virtual class when the video feed freezes. Even simple things—like paying bills online or streaming a movie—could be disrupted if a local data center can’t keep its servers cool.

These aren’t just minor inconveniences. In 2023, a heatwave in London forced Google and Oracle to shut down parts of their data centers, causing widespread outages for banks, hospitals, and schools. If water shortages become more common, outages like this could happen more often and in more places. And since many data centers are located in already water-stressed regions—like the American Southwest or parts of Spain—local communities may face tough choices between supplying water for homes and farms or keeping the internet running.

There’s also the issue of rising costs. As water becomes scarcer, tech companies may have to pay more to secure it or invest in expensive cooling alternatives. These costs often get passed down to consumers through higher prices for internet, streaming, or cloud services. For families already struggling with bills, this could mean having to cut back on services they’ve come to rely on.

For a deeper look at how data centers use water and energy, see our explainer on AI's water and energy footprint.

The Bigger Picture

This isn’t just about a few data centers or a single heatwave. It’s part of a larger trend where climate change and technology are colliding in ways that affect everyone. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported in 2024 that data centers, cryptocurrencies, and AI could consume up to 8% of global electricity by 2030—double their share from just a few years ago. Water use is rising too, especially as AI models like ChatGPT and Google Gemini require powerful servers that run hot and need constant cooling.

Some governments are starting to take notice. In 2023, the European Union proposed new rules requiring data centers to report their water and energy use, aiming for more transparency and stricter limits in water-stressed areas. In the U.S., states like Arizona and Nevada are debating whether to limit new data center construction in drought zones. But so far, there’s no nationwide policy that directly addresses the water needs of these facilities.

Public pushback is growing as well. In Mesa, Arizona, residents protested a planned data center by Meta (Facebook’s parent company) over concerns about water use during a historic drought. Similar protests have erupted in the Netherlands and Ireland. For more on why communities are pushing back, read our coverage on AI backlash and local resistance.

To find out if you live near a major data center, check our interactive map of AI data centers near you.

What You Can Do

• Stay informed: Learn about the water and energy footprint of the apps and services you use. Our guide to AI water use breaks down the basics.
• Ask questions: If your school, employer, or local government is moving more services online, ask how they’re choosing their cloud providers—and whether those companies are transparent about their water use.
• Support local action: Get involved in community meetings or local campaigns that address new data center projects, especially in areas facing drought or water shortages.
• Conserve at home: Reducing your own water and energy use helps your community, especially during heatwaves or droughts. Every bit counts when resources are stretched.
• Push for policy: Contact your representatives to support stronger rules on data center water use and transparency. Ask for public reporting and limits in water-stressed regions.

The Bottom Line

As climate change heats up and our lives move further online, the hidden water and energy costs of data centers are becoming everyone’s problem. While the risk of outages or higher bills might seem distant today, the trend is clear: unless tech companies, governments, and communities act now, the services we depend on could become less reliable and more expensive. Staying informed and speaking up can help make sure the needs of everyday people—not just big tech—come first.