# The Hidden Data Center Water Risk That Deserves More Attention

> Source: <https://www.machinebrief.com/news/the-hidden-data-center-water-risk-that-deserves-more-attenti-2xcs>
> Published: 2026-09-09 13:18:20+00:00

# The Hidden Data Center Water Risk That Deserves More Attention

By Mindy Lubber, ContributorSource: 

[Forbes Innovation](https://www.forbes.com/innovation/)
Data centers' biggest water demand isn't cooling—it's the power plants behind them. New research shows why AI's growth is a risk to drought-stressed electricity and water systems nationwide.

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