
AI's Hidden Water Cost
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About this listen
The provided text from "AI's Hidden Water Cost: A User's Guide" by Leo S. Lo explores the significant, yet often overlooked, water consumption of artificial intelligence systems. It explains that AI's water footprint stems from two main sources: cooling data center servers and the power plants generating electricity for these operations. The article emphasizes that water usage varies considerably based on factors like geographical location, time of year, and the specific AI model being used. While offering a simple three-step method to estimate individual AI water consumption, the author also points out that new technologies are emerging to reduce this impact, although they are not yet widely adopted. Ultimately, the piece advocates for greater transparency from AI companies and for users to understand these trade-offs to promote sustainable choices.