Google's water stewardship commitments are a testament to the company's commitment to sustainable practices and responsible growth. In an era where data centers are the backbone of our digital world, it's crucial to understand the role of water in their operations and how Google is addressing this critical issue. As Vice President, Google Global Infrastructure, Bikash Koley, and Head of Infrastructure Strategy & Sustainability, Ben Townsend, highlight, water is an essential component of data center development and operations, especially in cooling systems. However, the aggregate water consumption of data centers is small, and Google is taking proactive steps to protect local water resources.
One of the key commitments is replenishing more water than Google consumes at its sites by 2030. This is a bold move that demonstrates the company's commitment to water stewardship and its willingness to invest in replenishment projects. By doing so, Google can help improve water security for everyone and ensure that its growth does not come at the expense of the communities it calls home. In 2025, Google replenished more than 7 billion gallons of water, which is roughly equivalent to the annual water usage of 70,000 average U.S. households.
Google is also committed to helping modernize water and wastewater infrastructure for its neighbors. Water utilities are often underfunded, and Google is working with its utility partners to update public water infrastructure. To date, Google has committed over $500 million to the development of water, wastewater, and water reuse infrastructure and to the utility partners that deliver water in the communities where it operates or builds data centers. This includes projects ranging from enhancing local water supplies to detecting leaky pipes.
Another commitment is to protect at-risk watersheds with air-cooled solutions. Google uses a data-driven framework to assess local watersheds for new data centers and only considers water cooling if local resources are healthy and resilient. If a water source is at high risk, Google chooses air cooling or recycled water. This approach ensures that the company's approach reflects community needs and protects at-risk watersheds.
Google is also committed to reporting its annual water use transparently. The company was the first major cloud provider to disclose its annual water use for its data center locations, and it is committed to continuing to do so to ensure transparency for the communities where it invests and builds. This commitment to transparency is crucial in building trust with the communities where Google operates.
In addition to these commitments, Google is pursuing alternative and reclaimed solutions to protect water resources. For example, in Douglas County, Georgia, Google partnered with the county's water and sewer authority to reuse treated wastewater for cooling at its data center campus. This approach not only helps to protect water resources but also reduces the company's environmental footprint.
Google's water stewardship initiatives are not limited to the United States. Globally, the company has 165 water stewardship projects across 97 watersheds. Today, Google is proud to announce $17 million in support of new projects to advance its water stewardship ambitions in seven states, including Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and Texas. These projects include enhancing wetlands, converting farmland into perennial hay and pasture systems, expanding green infrastructure programs, and restoring floodplain forests.
To further its replenishment goals, Google is evaluating more than 700 projects submitted through its recent Water Replenishment Projects RFI. These projects include engineered solutions to improve water efficiency, supply, or quality; farm-level practices to reduce agricultural water demand and improve soil health; and nature-based solutions aimed at improving the hydrologic cycle. Google will have more to share in the coming months as it works with partners to roll out these projects.
In conclusion, Google's water stewardship commitments are a significant step towards sustainable practices and responsible growth. By replenishing more water than it consumes, modernizing water and wastewater infrastructure, protecting at-risk watersheds, reporting its annual water use transparently, and pursuing alternative and reclaimed solutions, Google is setting an example for the industry. Its water stewardship initiatives are not only beneficial for the environment but also for the communities where it operates. As we move towards a more sustainable future, Google's commitment to water stewardship is a beacon of hope and a reminder of the power of responsible business practices.
