Calls for Guidelines as Data Centre Water Usage Concerns Raise Alarms

Data centres in Melbourne's north and west are facing scrutiny for their potential water consumption, with concerns raised about water shortages and housing limitations. Documents obtained through Freedom of Information laws show that Greater Western Water is currently reviewing 19 applications from data centres, totaling 19,714 megalitres of drinking water per year.

One proposal in the Mt Cottrell area could use up to 3,926 megalitres annually, equivalent to the water usage of 66,000 Melburnians. This has led to calls for mandatory water efficiency standards for data centres and upgrades to Melbourne's water infrastructure to be made urgently.

Of the 19 applications, five have been approved so far, with one centre near Tarneit allowed to consume up to 734.4 megalitres annually. The total proposed water use of these applications is nearly 600 times the collective consumption of existing data centres in the area.

Experts warn that the significant water demand from data centres, essential for cooling servers and powering operations, poses challenges to Melbourne's water security. With data centres accounting for a substantial portion of energy consumption, sustainability standards are being called for to address the environmental impact.

Melbourne Water corporations are assessing the water demand, but there are no specific policies addressing data centre water usage from the Victorian government. Suggestions include using recycled water and rainwater harvesting to reduce reliance on drinking water.

Concerns about water sustainability and the strain on local infrastructure have been raised, emphasizing the need for long-term planning to avoid rushed decisions in the future. Melbourne's west, a hub for data centres, faces rapid growth and increasing water demands.

Victoria's attractiveness for data centre investment is highlighted, with Melbourne identified as a key hub due to its resources and proactive approval processes. While data centres play a crucial role in the digital age, balancing economic growth with environmental impact remains a challenge.

According to the source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation.