AI News Monitor

Sir Keir Starmer’s ambition to make the UK a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) may put further strain on the country’s already limited drinking water supply, industry experts have warned.

AI requires vast computing power, with large data centres consuming millions of litres of water daily to cool their servers. While the tech industry is working on more efficient cooling systems, concerns remain over the environmental impact.

The UK government has committed to building multiple data centres to drive economic growth, with the first “AI growth zone” set for Culham, Oxfordshire—near the site of a planned reservoir. However, with some regions already facing water shortages, questions have been raised about how these facilities might compete with homes and businesses for fresh water.

The Royal Academy of Engineering is calling for stricter reporting on energy and water use by data centres, urging them to reduce their reliance on drinking water for cooling. Similar concerns have led to resistance against data centres in countries like Chile and Uruguay.

According to the BBC, a government spokesperson acknowledged the sustainability challenges but said AI growth zones would be placed in areas with existing infrastructure. However, with water demand projected to rise significantly by 2050, regulators are urging data centres to plan their usage carefully and consider alternative sources.

Environmental groups are now pressing the government for transparency on how data centres will impact long-term water security, as the UK navigates its AI-driven future.