As AI data centers multiply across the Mountain West, concerns over water use are growing. These data centers require large amounts of water for cooling, sparking fears over water supplies in the drought-stricken region.
A commercial real estate broker, Brian Armon, visited the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center, where global tech giants are building data centers. He pointed out Vantage Data Centers and EdgeCore, a data center under construction.
"Directions to 255 USA Parkway,"
Armon asked his phone's AI assistant, which responded with a virtual map and a traffic report. The area is being transformed into the backbone of the internet, with flat-roof buildings and construction equipment scattered across the landscape.
Author's summary: AI data centers are multiplying in the Mountain West, raising concerns about water use.