What this indicator measures
This indicator estimates the volume of water associated with AI-related compute. It may include water used for data center cooling and, where relevant, indirect water intensity linked to electricity generation.
Calculation method
The calculation starts from estimated AI compute activity, converts it into electricity demand, then applies water intensity assumptions. The result is expressed as an estimated live counter.
Simplified formula
Water consumption ≈ AI electricity use × water intensity factorData sources
The model relies on public research about data center water use, electricity generation water intensity, AI infrastructure assumptions and published operator information when available.
Known limitations
Actual water consumption varies heavily by region, cooling technology, season, electricity mix and data center design. This is a directional estimate, not a facility-level measurement.
Refresh and interpolation
The source baseline is refreshed server-side. Between refreshes, the counter is interpolated using the estimated water consumption rate per second.