A Kentucky woman blasted data centers for unnecessary water use, saying there are other alternative ways corporations can cool them. However, these wealthy corporations choose water because it is the cheapest route. The woman argues, “Maybe human beings should have priority access to water before the latest AI model does.”
The TikTok video begins with the woman establishing her argument that “more people need to know that data centers don’t actually need water.” As she explains, “They need cooling systems, and they’re using water because it’s just the cheapest way to do it.” Data centers generate a lot of heat, and if they overheat, the system won’t work. The assumption she claims that people believe is that using water is just this “unavoidable part of the technology.” However, the woman states that alternatives do exist. These include dielectric coolants, immersion cooling systems, closed-loop cooling systems, and dry cooling systems. These sources use a range of methods, such as recycling (to avoid freshwater use) and air.
These technologies exist, but “many are more expensive.” She states that “ordinary people, we’re always told not to waste our water,” which often means taking shorter showers and avoiding lawn watering. The Kentucky woman blasts the corporations: “Some of the wealthiest corporations on earth are consuming enormous amounts of water because it’s the cheapest way to cool their infrastructure.” She continues by stating that humans use water because they’ll die without it. However, comparatively, “when a data center uses water, it’s because somebody in a boardroom ran the numbers and decided it was the most cost-effective cooling method.” The video has over 633,000 views, over 162,000 likes, and nearly 4,000 comments.
Kentucky Woman’s Comments Spark Conversation
Some argue that AI data centers aren’t even necessary and shouldn’t exist at all. One says, “May we add that: data centers ARE NOT necessary.” While there are some mixed reactions to this comment, another states that AI doesn’t need to be in every field. They argue, “AI should’ve stayed small scale for scientific and research purposes.” Another takes the argument up a notch, saying, “Or even better, but hear me out: we stop using AI.”
Meanwhile, many aren’t surprised. One says, “The Lorax told us this would happen.” Others have similar feelings of anger and frustration. One commenter says, “When I found this out, I was IRATE.” Another agrees with the woman’s statements, concluding, “The earth needs water. AI wants water. There’s a difference between.”
While commenters have different responses to the video, many appreciate the Kentucky woman for sparking a conversation about the topic.
