Google’s Nebraska data centre used 732 million gallons of water in 2025, according to the company’s latest environmental disclosures, sparking renewed debate over the growing water footprint of artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in one of America’s drought-prone states. Google’s operations in Papillion, Omaha, and Lincoln consumed approximately 732.1 million gallons of water last year, more than five times the 134.7 million gallons used in 2023 and nearly 16 times the 46.6 million gallons recorded in 2022.

While experts note that the total remains relatively small compared to Nebraska’s agricultural water use, concerns are mounting over whether local water supplies can support the rapid expansion of AI-driven data centres, especially as large parts of the state continue to experience extreme drought.

AI Growth Is Driving Higher Water Consumption

The sharp rise reflects the rapid expansion of AI computing infrastructure, which relies on thousands of high-performance servers that generate significant heat. Data centres require sophisticated cooling systems to keep equipment operating safely and efficiently.

Google’s Nebraska data centre used 732 million gallons of water in 2025, a figure that has become a focal point in discussions about the environmental costs of AI. Depending on local conditions, Google uses either evaporative cooling systems, which consume substantial amounts of water, or closed-loop air-cooled chillers, which recycle cooling fluids for years but typically require more electricity.

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Why Nebraska Is Paying Close Attention

Water availability varies significantly across Nebraska.

• Although major utilities serving cities such as Omaha currently have sufficient capacity, many rural and suburban communities face tighter water supplies.
• According to reports, Google’s 2025 water consumption exceeded the amount of water used by customers of the Omaha Metropolitan Utilities District during an average week.
• However, University of Nebraska-Lincoln law professor Anthony Schutz offered additional context, noting that the volume is comparable to irrigating roughly 2,500 to 3,500 acres of corn, a relatively small portion of Nebraska’s 9.1 million irrigated acres.

Even so, water managers caution that future demand from multiple large data centres could create localized supply challenges.

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The AI Boom Raises Broader Infrastructure Questions

The debate extends beyond water alone.

• AI technologies are expected to improve electricity grid management, optimize energy use, and support renewable energy integration.
• However, the computing infrastructure powering these systems requires enormous amounts of electricity and cooling.
• Experts warn that rising electricity demand could place additional pressure on power generation, transmission networks, and water resources because many power plants also require significant quantities of water for cooling.
• John Winkler, General Manager of the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District, said industries requiring large amounts of water should be located where natural resources can sustainably support them.

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New Transparency Measures Are Coming

Recognizing the growing importance of monitoring resource use, Nebraska lawmakers approved legislation during the 2026 legislative session requiring the state’s Department of Water, Energy, and Environment to begin collecting annual data on water consumption and energy demand from large data centre developments.

Meanwhile, several natural resource districts are reviewing local regulations as communities evaluate whether future AI infrastructure projects align with available water supplies.

Industry representatives remain optimistic that technological advances will improve efficiency over time. Data Center Coalition Vice President Dan Diorio said newer cooling technologies are expected to reduce water consumption in future facilities. At the same time, researchers continue to call for greater transparency, arguing that publicly available reporting on water and energy use will help communities make informed decisions as AI infrastructure expands.

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