UK Water Trade Body Warns Government of Overlooked Data‑Centre Cooling Needs

Cooling Demands May Exceed Local Water Availability

The Water UK trade association has cautioned ministers that the nation’s push to triple data‑centre capacity ignores a key requirement: water for cooling. The warning was issued on 25 July 2026, as the government finalised plans to expand digital infrastructure across England and Wales.

Water UK argues that most large‑scale data centres rely on water‑intensive cooling systems, yet current policy documents barely mention water supply or sustainability. The trade board says the omission could strain regional water resources, especially in areas already facing drought risk. It urges the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to embed water‑use assessments in every new data‑centre proposal.

Data‑centre operators typically use water‑based chillers to keep servers at optimal temperatures. In a typical facility, millions of litres flow through cooling towers each day. Water UK cites recent studies showing that a single 100‑megawatt centre can consume as much water as a small town. The association notes that many proposed sites lie in river basins already under pressure from agriculture and domestic use. „If we ignore water constraints now, we risk creating bottlenecks that could force costly retrofits later,” said Claire Whitaker, Water UK’s director of policy.

Is the Government Ignoring a Critical Resource?

The trade board also points out that alternative cooling methods, such as air‑side economisers or liquid‑immersion, are available but often more expensive. Without clear guidance, developers may default to the cheapest, water‑heavy solutions. Water UK recommends that the government require water‑efficiency audits before granting planning permission, and that it fund research into low‑water cooling technologies.

Critics argue that the current data‑centre strategy focuses almost entirely on electricity supply and broadband reach, leaving water considerations to be addressed later, if at all. They ask whether the Department for Business and Trade has conducted any comprehensive water‑impact assessments for the planned expansion. A parliamentary committee inquiry, scheduled for later this year, is expected to examine the issue.

Government officials have responded that water is „on the radar” but have not detailed specific measures. A spokesperson for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said that water‑use data will be incorporated into future planning guidelines, though timelines remain unclear. The lack of immediate action has prompted industry groups to call for a formal water‑resource strategy that aligns with the nation’s digital ambitions.

If water constraints are not addressed, the UK could face operational disruptions at data‑centres, higher costs for cooling, and potential conflicts with other water‑dependent sectors. The outlook hinges on whether policymakers will integrate water sustainability into the core of the data‑centre rollout, or treat it as an afterthought.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of cooling systems do most UK data centres use? Most rely on water‑cooled chillers that circulate large volumes of water through cooling towers, a method favored for its efficiency and cost‑effectiveness.

How much water can a typical data centre consume? A 100‑megawatt facility can use several million litres of water daily, comparable to the consumption of a small municipality.

What steps is the government taking to address water use in data‑centre planning? Officials have pledged to include water‑impact assessments in upcoming guidelines, but concrete policies and timelines have yet to be published.