Amazon's data centers used 2.5 billion gallons of water last year

data centers used 2.5 billion gallons of water last year">

Amazon has disclosed that its global data center operations consumed 2.5 billion gallons of water in 2025. This usage rate stands at 0.12 liters per kilowatt-hour of electricity, marking a two percent decrease from its 2024 total, despite expanded operations. The disclosure comes as Seattle has enacted a one-year data center moratorium, a move supported by some Amazon employees.

Water consumption and energy use are central concerns in debates surrounding new AI data center construction. The company also asserts that it's using water more efficiently than some of its Big Tech rivals. Amazon provided a graphic in its report to support this claim, though specific details about the comparison were not included.

Seattle's moratorium on data centers was passed with concerns about the environmental impact of these facilities, including their substantial water and energy requirements. Amazon's data centers, like those of other tech giants, have been scrutinized for their resource usage as the demand for cloud computing and AI services continues to grow. The company's water usage efficiency claims may help alleviate some of the pressure it faces from environmental advocates and regulators.

However, the exact implications of Amazon's disclosures on its operational practices and broader industry trends remain to be seen. Why this matters: The substantial water usage of Amazon's data centers highlights the critical need for tech companies to address environmental concerns associated with their expanding operations. As AI and cloud computing continue to drive growth in the sector, efficient resource utilization will be a key challenge.

For developers and businesses, this means considering sustainable practices in their infrastructure planning. For consumers, it implies that the environmental impact of their digital activities may be greater than they realize. Open questions remain about how Amazon's water efficiency claims compare to industry averages and what further steps the company will take to reduce its environmental footprint.