Can UK data centres meet AI demand without increasing water stress?

By Nick Remington and Simon Wyatt 2026-09-04T06:00:00

Water consumption in AI data centres is frequently misunderstood, say Nick Remington of PolarDC and Simon Wyatt of Cundall. With the right cooling strategies, site selection and energy sourcing, the UK can expand its digital infrastructure without a corresponding rise in water use

Data centre demand is at an all-time high, driven by artificial intelligence. This growth has also increased scrutiny of water consumption, with concerns that AI could further strain water resources. In the UK, however, the relationship between AI and water use is often misunderstood.

AI itself does not drive water consumption, but decisions about cooling systems, site location and energy supply do. Data centres can support significantly greater computing capacity while consuming little, and in some cases virtually no, operational water.

Already registered? Login here

To continue enjoying Building.co.uk, sign up for free guest access

Existing subscriber? LOGIN

Stay at the forefront of thought leadership with news and analysis from award-winning journalists. Enjoy company features, CEO interviews, architectural reviews, technical project know-how and the latest innovations.

Limited access to building.co.uk
Breaking industry news as it happens
Breaking, daily and weekly e-newsletters

Get your free guest access SIGN UP TODAY

Subscribe now for unlimited access

Subscribe to Building today and you will benefit from:

Unlimited access to all stories including expert analysis and comment from industry leaders
Our league tables, cost models and economics data
Our online archive of over 10,000 articles
Building magazine digital editions
Building magazine print editions
Printed/digital supplements

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

View our subscription options and join our community