- Pro
Amazon uses 0.12L/kWh of water for its data centers
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Amazon)
- Copy link
- X
- Threads
- Amazon says its data centers used 0.12L/kWh in 2025 – Google used 1.15L/kWh
- Air-based cooling is used 90% of the time, keeping water only for when it's really needed
- The company has also raised the safe operating temperatures for equipment, reducing cooling needs
Amazon has revealed exactly how much its global data center operations used in 2025, and at 2.5bn gallons (the equivalent of 9.5bn litres), it is less than we might have expected.
Even though 2025 was a big year for data center expansion, Amazon says water use at facilities it directly owned fell 2% year-over-year, noting an impressive Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE) of 0.12L/kWh – seven times better than the 0.84L/kWh industry average and a 52% self-improvement since 2021.
While closed-loop cooling likely drove some of this improvement, Amazon says its data centers now use outside air cooling around 90% of the time.
Latest Videos FromWatch full video here:
Amazon says data center water usage is actually decreasing
With air-based cooling doing the heavy lifting, Amazon said that evaporative cooling systems, which are considered water-intensive, are only used during the hottest weather conditions.
To offset some of the cooling requirements, the company also managed to increase the temperatures at which servers can safely operate, reducing the actual cooling needs in the first place.
You may like-
Amazon, Microsoft, Google and more pressed on data center water and power use
-
Saltwater cooling system could turn data centers into clean water producers
-
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella looks to allay fears over data center energy and water use
Comparing itself to key hyperscaler rivals in 2024, Amazon emerged as a clear leader, consuming 0.15L/kWh. Meta came in second place at 0.19L/kWh, with Microsoft consuming twice as much (0.3L/kWh). Google fell short, at 1.15L/kWh.
Where water is required, Amazon says it's committed to expanding recycled water cooling to more than 120 US locations by the end of the decade, up from 24 sites currently. 2030 is also Amazon's target for becoming water positive – a goal it says it's 75% of the way there.
Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletterContact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.However, while the figures paint a remarkable picture of leadership, Amazon's data excludes partner locations as well as construction and manufacturing-related consumption.
"As demand for cloud computing continues to grow, so does our commitment to doing more with less—and to leave communities better than we found them," the company said in its blog post.
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.
TOPICS Amazon
Craig HaleWith several years’ experience freelancing in tech and automotive circles, Craig’s specific interests lie in technology that is designed to better our lives, including AI and ML, productivity aids, and smart fitness. He is also passionate about cars and the decarbonisation of personal transportation. As an avid bargain-hunter, you can be sure that any deal Craig finds is top value!
View MoreYou must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
Logout Read more
Pro
Amazon, Microsoft, Google and more pressed on data center water and power use
Pro
Saltwater cooling system could turn data centers into clean water producers
Pro
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella looks to allay fears over data center energy and water use
Pro
Major US data center project found to be sucking up 29 million gallons of water over 15 months
Pro
Three ways data centers can operate more sustainably
Pro
Arizona data centers raise Phoenix temperatures by up to 4 degrees
Latest in Pro
Pro
Arzopa Z3FC portable monitor review
Pro
The gender data gap and the need for representation in AI
Pro
Crusoe claimed it “paused” a plan to build a Wyoming data center after it failed to win customers including Google
Pro
The shift from workflow automation to autonomous enterprises
Pro
Why most AI programs stall, and what it will take to scale them
Pro
A major KPMG report on AI was found to be chock-full of...AI hallucinations
Latest in News
How to Watch
How to watch USA vs Paraguay on Tubi (it's free)
iOS
One of iOS 27's best Apple Wallet features is coming to Disney World this fall
Gaming
Resident Evil Veronica producer says Capcom changed the title to fit the series' naming pattern which follows the individual themes attached to each entry — 'It's usually one word that is really iconic or connected to the concept of the game'
Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers
Peaches? No, they’re Justin Bieber’s new SKYLRK Audio speakers
VPN Services
NordVPN’s next-gen antivirus aces independent testing with a 96% phishing block rate
Spotify
Spotify adds short-form videos to New Music Friday playlist
LATEST ARTICLES- 1I am unashamedly in love with the adorable Boox Tappy ereader page turner — but I'm heartbroken it doesn't work with my Kindle
- 2NYT Connections hints and answers for Saturday, June 13 (game #1098)
- 3Quordle hints and answers for Saturday, June 13 (game #1601)
- 4NYT Strands hints and answers for Saturday, June 13 (game #832)
- 5Quote of the day by inventor of the World Wide Web, Tim Berners-Lee: "Data is a precious thing and will last longer than the systems themselves" — highlighting the longevity of data as a resource