Clicking and Swiping Away: Hidden Implications of Australian Data Center Water Security and Management

The Australian public and broader society have little awareness of the seminal relationship between water supply and data usage/storage. Most data centers (DCs) consume large volumes of water to operate servers that supply digital society’s instantaneous 24/7 information communication systems. DC water consumption is a global issue that lacks transparency, sustainable management, and effective governance. This article analyzes current Australian legislation, policies, and industry sustainability plans to examine whether and in what ways the absence of clear water governance requirements for DC may contribute to state and national water insecurity. It shows how academic and applied discourses conceptualize, research, and respond to DC sustainability as an energy issue. This conceptualization masks the relevance of DC water usage/security. The results show that Australian legislation, policy, planning, and management lack sufficient transparency and state governance regarding the industry’s water use and accountability. Global and national DC certifications are discussed, and policy solutions are recommended to mitigate future DC pressure on water supply and related consequences. Our conclusions advocate the necessity of improving public awareness, industry accountability, and government management strategies (policy and legislation) for sustainable water practices in Australia, as artificial intelligence increases DC quantity and size, exacerbating supply and consumption in local environments that legislate against nuclear energy alternatives.