Experts dispute Altman's claim that AI water use is negligible compared to almonds

Key points

• Altman stated that 38,000 ChatGPT queries equal the water usage of producing a single almond, claiming data centers use water like office buildings.
• Experts argue Altman's math cannot be verified because data center water usage varies by location, temperature, cooling type, and query complexity.
• California Assemblymember Diane Papan introduced two bills requiring data center operators to disclose water sources and usage to obtain permits.
• Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a similar transparency bill last year, citing concerns about rigid reporting requirements on businesses.
• A UC Riverside study suggests data center peak water demand could reach 1.45 billion gallons per day, comparable to New York City's average daily supply.
• Congressional Research Service data indicates data center water use rose from 5.6 billion gallons in 2014 to 17 billion gallons in 2023.

Background

Previous coverage highlighted that data centers in seven states withdraw approximately 3.4 trillion gallons of freshwater annually for electricity, raising concerns about water stress in arid regions. Earlier reports noted that while global electricity use by data centers was about 1.5% in 2024, newer designs are beginning to explore water reuse to mitigate environmental impacts.

How outlets are covering it

CalMatters and UC Riverside professor Shaolei Ren emphasize that Altman's comparison is misleading because public data is insufficient to verify specific figures, with variables like cooling systems and prompt length drastically altering consumption. Tom's Hardware reports Altman's claims directly but does not provide independent verification. Data Center Knowledge notes that most facilities do not reuse cooling water due to mineral buildup and cost, supporting the argument that water usage is significant and complex. While Altman minimizes the impact, experts and lawmakers argue that peak demand and lack of transparency pose serious risks to local water systems.

Why it matters

As AI infrastructure expands, the lack of transparency regarding water usage threatens local water supplies and public trust. Legislative action in California could set a precedent for national data center regulations, balancing technological growth with environmental sustainability and community resource protection.

What to watch

Governor Newsom must decide whether to sign or veto the two new transparency bills. If signed, data center operators in California will be required to disclose water usage and fund necessary infrastructure upgrades. Industry groups are expected to continue opposing the measures, while local governments may face increased scrutiny regarding new data center approvals.