AI’s Thirsty Side: Data Centers and the Rising Water Demand
AI water use is becoming a major issue in modern technology. While artificial intelligence helps drive innovation, it also has a hidden cost: massive water consumption.
Data centers powering AI systems consume millions of gallons of water to stay cool. These smart cooling systems—often connected to the internet—are vulnerable to cyberattacks that can cause real damage. It’s time to talk about how cybersecurity plays a key role in protecting these high-demand, water-intensive environments.
Fun Fact:
Training just one large AI model can consume over 5 million liters of water—roughly the amount used by 40,000 people in a single day.
Why AI Needs So Much Water

AI Water Use in Data Centers: Cybersecurity Risks
AI relies on large-scale data centers that run nonstop. These facilities generate tremendous heat and depend on cooling systems—many of which use evaporative or liquid cooling methods involving significant amounts of water.
Water is used to:
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Keep servers at stable temperatures
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Prevent overheating of processors running complex AI models
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Support HVAC systems in high-density computing environments
As more businesses adopt AI, these water demands are only increasing.
Where Cybersecurity Comes In
Many of these cooling systems are “smart” and connected—making them vulnerable. Without proper protection, hackers can:
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Access IoT-connected cooling systems
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Trigger malfunctions or overuse of water
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Shut down data centers by causing thermal failures
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Steal operational data or demand ransoms
These attacks can lead to costly downtime, hardware damage, and water waste—all of which can be prevented with the right cybersecurity strategy.
How CSU Protects AI Infrastructure
While CSU doesn’t currently support utilities, we do work with a wide range of clients – including government contractors, financial firms, healthcare providers, and others in highly regulated industries. We also support many businesses that aren’t subject to formal compliance requirements but still recognize the importance of protecting their data and systems.
Regardless of the industry, strong cybersecurity is essential to defend your business from both internal and external threats. CSU has you covered. As part of our onboarding process, we assess your cybersecurity vulnerabilities and work with you to implement an effective solution to reduce your risk.
Explore our cybersecurity services.
Fun Fact:
Some AI data centers use more than 1 million gallons of water a day—equal to the daily use of an entire small town.
Final Thoughts
AI offers powerful tools and insights, but its hidden cost—AI water use—is growing fast. As data centers expand, so do the cybersecurity risks tied to their water-dependent systems. CSU helps you secure your infrastructure, reduce risk, and stay ahead of both environmental and cyber threats.
👉 Secure your AI-driven systems—schedule a free consultation with CSU today.