Chris Payne, Co-founder and Director of PureTec Separations, discusses how data centres can ensure they continue to contribute to the wider sustainability agenda whilst experiencing times of high growth – and the central role that water treatment plays in achieving this.
The surge in computing power demands, driven largely by the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), is reshaping the operational priorities of data centres worldwide.
According to industry projections, computing power is expected to grow significantly within the next five years, with the water demand of AI alone forecasted to reach 6.6 billion litres annually by 2027.
As the backbone of the digital economy, data centres must grapple with this exponential growth while ensuring they remain environmentally compliant and manage public perception at a time where sustainability is at the forefront of the global agenda.
Water treatment — a critical yet often overlooked aspect of data centre operations — presents an opportunity to reconcile these dual imperatives of scalability and sustainability.
The key components of water treatment in data centres
Water is indispensable to data centre operations, and its treatment is required primarily in three areas: the pretreatment of incoming water, processing water used in cooling systems and the careful management of wastewater. Innovating within these areas will ensure that data centres can meet and exceed performance benchmarks, comply with environmental regulations and uphold their broader sustainability objectives.
The quality of incoming water directly impacts the efficiency and longevity of data centre cooling systems. Pretreatment processes remove impurities, minimise scaling and reduce corrosion risks, all of which contribute to operational efficiency. Cooling systems are essential for maintaining optimal temperatures in data centres and are the largest consumers of water. Effective process treatment ensures these systems operate efficiently while minimising their environmental impact. Innovations such as high-efficiency reverse osmosis (RO) systems, which offer variable power consumption, and chemical-free technologies like electrodeionisation (EDI), reduce water and energy usage simultaneously.
As data centres scale up, managing wastewater becomes increasingly critical. Traditional wastewater disposal methods are not only costly but also environmentally unsustainable. Zero liquid discharge (ZLD) systems offer a transformative solution, treating effluent to recover water for reuse within the facility. Additionally, the integration of reuse and recycling systems can further reduce reliance on freshwater resources. For example, non-potable water from external sources, such as treated effluent from nearby industrial sites, can be pretreated and introduced into the cooling process, thereby reducing the total local water demand — a concern we are already seeing across the UK in the wake of Labour’s announcement regarding the first AI growth zone in Oxfordshire.
Meeting the challenges of scale
The unprecedented growth in computing power and AI adoption necessitates water treatment systems that can scale effectively without compromising sustainability. This issue is complex and calls for a combination of advanced technology, innovative system design and strategic resource management.
Scalability begins with custom-designed water treatment systems that address the unique requirements of each data centre. Factors such as local water quality, facility size and cooling system specifications must be considered to ensure optimal performance. Bespoke solutions provide the flexibility needed to adapt to future growth.
What solutions are already out there ensure the sector grows sustainably
Beyond meeting immediate operational needs, water treatment systems must also align with broader sustainability objectives.
High-efficiency systems
High-efficiency water treatment systems play a key role in reducing both water and energy consumption. Variable power RO systems, for instance, adjust their energy usage based on real-time demand, minimising waste and operational costs. Similarly, chemical-free technologies like EDI eliminate the need for hazardous chemicals, reducing both environmental impact and the complexity of operations.
Predictive performance analytics
Data-driven decision making is key to maintaining efficiency at scale. Predictive performance analytics, powered by trending programs and machine learning algorithms, enable data centre operators to monitor system performance in real time. These tools identify potential inefficiencies, predict maintenance needs and provide actionable insights to optimise water use — ensuring that systems remain robust and efficient as demand increases.
Water reuse and recycling
Reuse and recycling systems allow data centres to significantly reduce their reliance on freshwater resources. Treated wastewater can be repurposed for various applications, including cooling and cleaning, creating a closed-loop system that minimises water waste. ZLD systems take this concept further by treating all wastewater to recover usable water, leaving no liquid waste to discharge.
Using alternative water sources
Diversifying water sources is another effective strategy for improving sustainability. Non-freshwater sources, such as seawater or brackish water, can be treated using advanced desalination technologies and incorporated into data centre operations. Similarly, effluent from other industrial or municipal processes can be pretreated and reused, reducing the strain on local water supplies.
Preparing for the future
The rapid pace of technological advancement presents both challenges and opportunities for data centres. As AI continues to drive demand, the need for efficient and sustainable water treatment solutions will only grow. By embracing innovative technologies and adopting best practices, data centres can make genuine efforts to sustainably navigate the rapid growth period that is expected over the coming years.
What’s more, efficient water treatment is not just a necessity for data centres — it is a strategic advantage. As with other sectors such as food manufacturing and power generation, optimising water use can have a significant impact on performance. And as the industry embarks on this perceived era of unprecedented growth, scalable and sustainable water treatment solutions will no doubt be a cornerstone of success.
