Archive · 15 Sep 2025
Sydney Data Centers Approved Amidst Water Usage Concerns
Imagine big computer buildings called data centers that need lots of water to stay cool, like a giant air conditioner.
Sydney is building many of these, but there might not be enough water.
The government approved these centers without clear plans for saving water.
This worries people because Sydney already has limited water from one dam and a desalination plant.
Some data centers are trying to use less water or collect rainwater, but others haven't committed to measurable plans.
If too much water goes to data centers, there might not be enough for homes and farms, especially during droughts.
Sydney has approved the construction of multiple data centers.
The data centers are projected to use up to 9.6 gigalitres of water annually.
Authorities approved data centers without requiring measurable water-saving plans.
Some data center developers are planning to use alternative water sources like rainwater.
Concerns exist that data centers could strain Sydney's limited water supply.
- Who
- Sydney authorities and data center developers like Microsoft, Amazon, and AirTrunk.
- What
- Approval of data center construction despite concerns over water usage.
- When
- Since the expansion of planning powers in 2021.
- Where
- Sydney, Australia.
- Why
- Rapid growth of the data center industry and increasing water scarcity.
Local Community Concerns
Data Center Development
Water Usage and Scarcity
Local Community Concerns
Community members and councils are concerned about the increasing water demand from data centers, especially during droughts, potentially affecting residential and agricultural water supplies.
Data Center Development
Data center developers aim for water usage reduction and some plan to use alternative sources, emphasizing the economic benefits of data center development.
- Total Data Centre Construction Spending
- A$6.6 billion ($4.35 billion)
- Maximum Annual Water Usage
- 9.6 gigalitres
- Percentage of Sydney's Maximum Water Supply
- Nearly 2%
- Approved Data Centres
- 10
- Data Centre Owners
- Microsoft, Amazon, AirTrunk
- Drinking Water Source
- One dam and a desalination plant