As the number of data centers continues to rise across Arizona, concerns are growing about how the state will meet the increasing demand for power and water and who will ultimately pay for it. A new report from Western Resource Advocates warns that electricity demand in the Southwest could grow significantly over the next decade. … In addition to electricity, data centers use large volumes of water to cool their servers. That’s drawing concern in a state where most areas are currently experiencing moderate to exceptional drought. The report projects that water usage by data centers in Arizona could grow from 4.5 billion gallons in 2030 to 7 billion gallons annually by 2035 which is enough water to support nearly 200,000 people per year.

Other data center water use news:

• KUNR (Reno, Nev.): New data centers expected to demand 7 billion gallons of water a year