Making AI Less “Thirsty”: Uncovering and Addressing the Secret Water Footprint of AI Models
This article addresses the amount of water that is needed to support AI models and how important it is to address AI's "water footprint". The authors highlight the the significant impact AI is having and how "a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable AI" is the goal. They also make recommendations for greater transparency and comprehensive reporting of AI's water footprint. "A 2023 study from Cornell University estimates that by 2027, the water needed for AI could reach 1.7 trillion gallons - more than half of the water the UK uses in a year." American Libraries, March/April 2025, p. 42.
