Data centers in seven major U.S. states depend on an estimated 3.4 trillion gallons of freshwater annually through the electricity used to power them, according to a new study. The report, published in August 2026 by sustainability nonprofit Ceres, examined California, Virginia, Texas, Arizona, Illinois, Georgia and Ohio, which together account for roughly half of U.S. data centers. Researchers found California was associated with the highest level of water withdrawals used to generate electricity for data centers, at an estimated 1.4 trillion gallons annually, followed by Virginia at 753 billion gallons and Arizona at 520 billion gallons.
Estimates reflect the amount of freshwater withdrawn by power plants to generate electricity used by data centers, rather than water consumed directly inside the facilities themselves. The study found California accounted for the highest volume of water withdrawals associated with data-center electricity use, followed by Virginia and Arizona, while Ohio recorded the lowest level among the seven states analyzed. Researchers said power generation represents the largest and least visible share of data centers' overall water footprint, with water demand varying significantly depending on each state's electricity mix.
California, for example, withdrew more water for energy generation than any other state examined, largely because of its use of hydroelectric power. The study found that water demand varies significantly depending on how electricity is generated in each state. California withdrew more water for energy generation than any other state examined, largely due to its reliance on hydroelectric power.
The authors explained states that rely heavily on thermal power generation or hydropower tend to require larger volumes of freshwater to produce electricity. Across the seven-state study area, about 78 percent of electricity came from power plants that use water to operate. The findings also suggest that the number of data centers alone does not determine overall water demand.
Virginia, which had the largest number of data centers among the states reviewed, with around 674 facilities, ranked second for estimated water use. Texas had about 537 data centers but lower water withdrawals than California, which had roughly 296 facilities. The contrast highlights the role played by local electricity-generation mixes rather than facility counts alone.
Researchers also examined whether power plants supplying electricity were located in areas facing water stress or drought. Arizona showed some of the highest risk indicators in the study. The report found that 79 percent of electricity generation linked to water use occurred in water-stressed areas, while 93 percent came from areas that experienced drought conditions.
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