# Amazon's Data Centers Use 7x Less Water
_Amazon's data centers are over 7x more water-efficient than the industry average, utilizing free air cooling and reclaimed water._
**Published:** 2026-06-11
**Source:** https://www.startuphub.ai/ai-news/technology/2026/amazon-s-data-centers-use-7x-less-water
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Amazon is significantly outperforming the industry in water efficiency for its data centers, reporting a 52% improvement since 2021. The tech giant's operations now use just 0.12 liters of water per kilowatt-hour, a stark contrast to the industry average of 0.84 L/kWh, according to [their sustainability report](https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/sustainability/amazon-data-center-water-usage?utm_source=rss).

Industry Water UseDriver

From the article 2 mentionsThe tech giant's operations now use just 0.12 liters of water per kilowatt-hour, a stark contrast to the industry average of 0.84 L/kWh, according to their sustainability report.compared toAmazon's Water EfficiencyOutcomedata centers use 0.12 liters per kilowatt-hour, 7x lessFrom the article 4 mentionsAmazon is significantly outperforming the industry in water efficiency for its data centers, reporting a 52% improvement since 2021.Dual-Cooling StrategyCorecombines free air cooling with evaporative cooling methodsFrom the article 2 mentionsThis enhanced efficiency is largely due to a dual-cooling strategy.Improved EfficiencyEffectFrom the article 2 mentionsAmazon is significantly outperforming the industry in water efficiency for its data centers, reporting a 52% improvement since 2021.Free Air CoolingContextFrom the article 2 mentionsFor approximately 90% of the year, data centers utilize "free air cooling," drawing in ambient air to cool servers without water consumption, akin to opening windows on a cool day.Evaporative CoolingContextsprays water to cool air when ambient air is too warmFrom the article 2 mentionsDuring the hottest periods, when outside air is too warm and humid, Amazon employs evaporative cooling.
This enhanced efficiency is largely due to a dual-cooling strategy. For approximately 90% of the year, data centers utilize "free air cooling," drawing in ambient air to cool servers without water consumption, akin to opening windows on a cool day. This approach is becoming increasingly sophisticated, with some exploring advanced methods like those discussed in [Claude's Corner: Inviscid AI, Real-Time CFD for Data Centers Is Suddenly Plausible](/ai-news/claude).

During the hottest periods, when outside air is too warm and humid, Amazon employs evaporative cooling. This process involves spraying water onto an absorbent medium, where evaporation cools the air by 5 to 10 degrees. This method is preferred over traditional chillers, which consume significantly more electricity during peak demand times, as detailed in discussions around [Microsoft Confronts AI Infrastructure Backlash with New Data Center Pledges](/ai-news/ai-video/2026/microsoft-confronts-ai-infrastructure-backlash-with-new-data-center-pledges) and [Microsoft's Azure AI superfactory](/ai-news/artificial-intelligence/2025/microsofts-azure-ai-superfactory-is-a-planet-scale-machine-powered-by-nvidia-gb200-and-gb300-gpus).

Amazon is also raising the operating temperature thresholds for its servers, enabling them to tolerate more heat and further reducing water usage. This strategy has proven effective, with failure rates remaining constant even at higher temperatures.

The company is pushing towards a goal of being water positive by 2030, meaning it will replenish more water than it consumes. In 2025, Amazon returned approximately 3 gallons for every 4 it used, and has committed to over 50 water projects expected to return more than 5.8 billion gallons annually.

Furthermore, Amazon leads in using reclaimed water, wastewater from treatment plants, across its facilities. They currently operate 26 buildings using 100% reclaimed water, with plans for 130 more globally, aiding communities in developing their own reclaimed water programs.

These initiatives underscore a broader trend in [data center sustainability](/ai-news/technology/2026/amazon-corning-strike-fiber-optics-deal) efforts as demand for computing power, particularly for AI, continues to skyrocket.
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Original analysis from [startuphub.ai](https://www.startuphub.ai), the #1 AI startup directory.