By Matt Johnson
Every day that passes feels like a new adventure into the world of data centers, making it an exciting time to be a part of this space. There are opportunities for partnerships and emerging tech, but also new considerations in a shifting landscape. As AI workloads and high-density computing grow, data centers are expanding in size, making efficient cooling just as important as processing speed. Without effective thermal management, systems risk overheating, resulting in performance degradation or even equipment failure. While air-based cooling has been the standard for years, rising workloads and increased power consumption are driving demand for more effective and efficient methods of heat dissipation.
To meet these demands, the industry is increasingly turning to hybrid cooling systems that combine air and liquid technologies. Water plays a key role in this transition, thanks to its superior heat transfer capabilities. Liquid cooling enables higher power density in a smaller footprint, helping data centers manage thermal loads more effectively. As the industry evolves, water’s role in data center performance will only grow—requiring continuous innovation to meet future operational demands.
A holistic approach to water management is one such strategy, involving a combination of tactics and solutions such as smart monitoring tools, high-efficiency motors and real-time analytics that can improve data management. After all, what would a data center be without smart data to back it up?
Considerations For Holistic Data Center Water Management
Current infrastructure and cooling methods are expected to reach their maximum physical capacity by 2030, as annual demand will likely increase from the current 60 gigawatts (GW) to 171 to 219 gigawatts (GW). This will prompt industry leaders to reevaluate equipment design and digital controls.
As data centers continue to expand, water management strategies must be shaped by both technical demands and regional realities. For instance, a typical facility uses about 6.75 million gallons of water each year, which has raised concerns in areas where resources are limited. With new facilities often built in remote or dry regions, balancing community needs with operational requirements is becoming more complex.
For instance, real-time monitoring and control can provide better visibility into system performance, from flow rates to temperature to leak detection. These capabilities help operators make faster, more informed decisions that reduce risk and improve efficiency. To take it one step further, advanced water filtration paired with real-time metering and digital monitoring platforms can enable operators to proactively manage water quality.
Cloud-based systems capitalizing on existing water infrastructure is one way to meet this new demand, facilitated by next-gen technologies like smart motors and digital technologies often accessible through mobile interfaces, allow for continuous tracking of key parameters such as flow rates, temperature, and chemical composition. This integration supports more strategic, forward-looking management, shifting from reactive maintenance to predictive insights that enhance uptime and long- term resilience.
Intelligent pumping systems also support predictive maintenance and continuous tracking of system performance, helping ensure equipment stays online and efficient. Many setups can automatically shut down pumps at zero demand or in the event of a water supply issue and include safeguards like dry-run protection. These features reduce manual intervention, lower maintenance costs and improve overall reliability, which ensures uptime.
The overall outcome is less water waste, lower energy use, and fewer unexpected disruptions, which are top concerns for data center operators. This is especially important as more data centers are being developed via adaptive reuse of existing buildings, where infrastructure flexibility is key.
Challenges Creating Opportunities
Even with these solutions in place, growing energy demands and infrastructure strain are prompting policymakers to take action. For example, Ireland has paused new data center developments near Dublin until 2028 to help manage energy use and maintain grid stability. What this example tells us is that water supply could soon become a limiting factor in other regions as well, particularly in places with dry climates, due to growing demand.
At the same time, this also conveys the urgency of the need to bring awareness of the potential use of recycled water. Ultimately, those who are open to exploring new and innovative uses of recycled water within data centers will be uniquely equipped to overcome these operational limitations. Holistic water management must take into account all players involved in making flexible IT environments happen. Working closely with utility providers to ensure reliable access to water and power and leveraging digital tools that make it easier to modernize and manage resources efficiently is crucial.
Partnerships across sectors will be essential in the development of resource-conscious solutions that support both growth and resilience, as well as technologies that support heat reuse. An example of a heat reuse opportunity would be to capture waste heat to provide heating for other buildings or industrial processes. This improves overall energy efficiency and would create sustainable benefits for the surrounding communities.
Looking Ahead
High-density AI clusters pack more processing power, generating significantly more heat, which in turn challenges the capacity of traditional cooling systems. Existing water and energy supplies often struggle to keep pace, making technological upgrades critical to sustain performance. Additionally, large volumes of water flow through cooling systems daily, carrying debris, scale and microbial contaminants that accumulate over time. These factors contribute to scaling, corrosion and fouling, which further reduce cooling efficiency and increase maintenance needs. Effective water treatment and carefully designed piping and control systems are essential to avoid such issues.
Going forward, advancements in cooling technology will play a crucial role in shaping future data center operations. By investing in smarter water management and cooling solutions today, data centers can better prepare for future growth and evolving industry demands.
Johnson is the business development manager for Xylem Bell & Gossett. With more than 25 years of experience in the water sector, he brings extensive expertise in groundwater, water and wastewater systems as well as electrical manufacturing.