What Impact Will Amazon's Water Goals Have on Data Centres?

Amazon is setting out how its data centre operations fit into a wider water sustainability strategy, with a focus on reuse, replenishment and efficiency across global infrastructure.

The company has launched a dedicated water "spotlight" on its website, detailing how it manages water use across facilities including data centres, fulfilment centres and retail sites.

At the centre of this approach is a target to return more water to communities than it uses in its data centre operations by 2030.

Water plays a critical role in data centre environments, particularly in cooling systems that regulate temperature for servers handling cloud and AI workloads.

As demand for these services increases, operators are under pressure to manage water use more carefully, especially in regions facing supply constraints.

Amazon positions its approach as part of a broader effort to balance operational needs with local environmental conditions, while maintaining reliable infrastructure.

Water stewardship in data centres

Amazon’s strategy combines conservation with efforts to improve how water is sourced and reused. This includes using recycled water and harvested rainwater where possible, reducing reliance on drinking water supplies.

The company has installed 31 on-site water treatment facilities at Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centres. These systems allow water to be reused multiple times, improving efficiency and reducing overall consumption.

In addition, AWS is expanding its use of recycled water across US data centres. This involves working with utilities to collect treated wastewater, refine it to required standards and reuse it in cooling processes. The initiative is expected to preserve more than 530 million gallons of drinking water each year.

Meighan McLafferty, Director, Industry Relations – Sustainability and The Climate Pledge at Amazon, explains the broader thinking behind the programme: “Have you ever wondered how much water AI data centres really use, or how farmers are using innovative technology to conserve water? Did you know that globally, about 30% of water is lost to leakage?

“Amazon’s newly launched spotlight on water addresses these questions and more. Being a responsible water steward requires moving beyond simple conservation; it requires an all-hands-on-deck mentality and a commitment to both people and the planet.

“By leveraging an innovation-focused approach, we are working to ensure that our operational choices support the long-term health of the planet and the communities we call home.”

Replenishment projects and community impact

Alongside efficiency measures, Amazon is investing in water replenishment projects aimed at restoring water sources and improving access in water-stressed regions.

The company is involved in more than 45 projects across 14 countries, addressing issues such as water availability, quality and access to safe drinking water. These initiatives are expected to return more than 18 billion litres of water to communities each year.

Projects include watershed restoration and leak reduction programmes. In Cape Town, Amazon is working with The Nature Conservancy and local authorities to remove invasive plant species across 300 hectares, increasing water supply to reservoirs.

Kara Hurst, Chief Sustainability Officer at Amazon, points to the role of technology in these efforts. “Technology can be the game changer. Amazon is working with Xylem to reduce leaks by installing smart sensors for water pressure management.

“The project has already saved 1.8 billion litres of water – enough to fill 720 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

“Each project has a distinct story – because while the water crisis is global, it looks different in every community.”