Improper redaction reveals Google Data Center water and electricity usage (1011now.com)

Article summary

A news outlet discovered that Google's data center in Lincoln, Nebraska, used 13 million gallons of water and 52.65 megawatts of electricity during peak demand, after improperly redacted information was revealed. The data center's water usage is equivalent to filling around 20 Olympic-size swimming pools. The state of Nebraska requires data centers to report their water and electricity usage annually. The report also revealed that Google's data centers in Nebraska expect significant tax refunds.

Main themes

• data center water usage
• environmental impact
• agricultural water usage
• tax refunds
• industry comparisons
• local resource management

What commenters say

• The water usage of data centers is negligible compared to other industries, such as agriculture.
• Data centers' water usage is a significant concern due to its impact on local resources.
• The comparison of data center water usage to other industries, such as golf courses or hotels, is misleading.
• The focus on data center water usage is a distraction from more significant environmental issues.
• The actual damage caused by data center water evaporation is microscopic.
• Data center water usage should be compared to other businesses, normalized by power usage or square footage, to provide context.
• The water usage of data centers can have a significant impact on local communities, especially in areas with limited water resources.