As England steams ahead with its ambitions to become a global leader in artificial intelligence, an unseen crisis is bubbling beneath the surface: water scarcity. The Environment Agency (EA) has issued stark warnings that without swift and decisive action, the nation’s public water supply could face a daily shortfall of 5 billion litres by 2055—a figure that does not even account for the surging, and largely unmeasured, thirst of the data centres powering the AI boom[1][3][5]. This looming shortage threatens not just household taps but also the wider economy, including agriculture and energy generation, which together require an additional 1 billion litres each day—again, with data centre needs conspicuously absent from the tally.
**The Hidden Cost of the AI Revolution**
AI’s rapid expansion is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it promises economic growth, jobs, and technological breakthroughs. On the other, it is driving a surge in demand for water, as data centres rely on vast quantities to keep their servers cool. Cooling towers and air systems, essential for preventing overheating, require clean, fresh water—often drawn directly from the public supply[5]. Unlike traditional industries, data centres are not required to report their water usage, leaving regulators in the dark about the true scale of the problem. Estimates suggest AI could consume between 1.8 and 12 litres of water for every kilowatt hour of energy used, and globally, AI-related water use may reach 6.6 billion cubic metres by 2027—nearly two-thirds of England’s annual consumption[5].
**A Perfect Storm of Pressures**
The challenge is compounded by climate change, population growth, and environmental protection needs. Hotter, drier summers are becoming more frequent, threatening the recharge of groundwater and increasing the risk of drought, especially in regions that rely on surface water[1][3]. The most densely populated areas, like the South East, are expected to bear the brunt, needing an extra 2 billion litres per day between 2030 and 2055[3]. Meanwhile, public anxiety is mounting over the lack of transparency and accountability from both government and industry, particularly as controversial schemes—such as Thames Water’s proposal to pump treated sewage into the River Thames—face widespread opposition[5].
**Looking for Solutions Beyond the Tap**
The EA and water companies are not sitting idle. Plans are underway to expand supply through ambitious infrastructure projects: nine desalination plants, ten new reservoirs, and seven water recycling schemes by 2050[1]. Water bills are rising to fund these initiatives, and the rollout of smart meters aims to encourage more efficient household use. However, these measures may not be enough if the unchecked growth of water-hungry industries like AI continues unchecked.
**A Call for Transparency and Innovation**
There is a growing consensus that greater transparency is needed. The EA has highlighted the importance of coordinated action and sustainable water management, warning that unsustainable extraction would harm rivers and wildlife[1][3]. Yet, with data centres exempt from reporting requirements, it is difficult to track, let alone manage, their impact. As the government pushes ahead with plans to loosen planning restrictions and accelerate AI growth, environmental advocates are urging policymakers to demand better data and to invest in alternative cooling technologies that could reduce the sector’s water footprint[5].
**The Road Ahead**
England stands at a crossroads. The AI boom offers immense potential, but it also poses a serious threat to the country’s water security. Without urgent action—including better regulation, investment in alternative technologies, and a more open dialogue between industry, regulators, and the public—the nation risks not only environmental damage but also economic stagnation and social unrest. The time to act is now, before the well runs dry.
