this post was submitted on 07 Jun 2026
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Yes, the hydrological cycle is global, of course none of the water just disappears. What you're missing is that the usage is local, data servers use mains water most of the time.
Mains water must come from somewhere, the local area has limited processing capabilities, and heavy industrial consumption severely depletes local groundwater reserves faster than natural rainfall can ever replenish them, forcing nearby communities to bear both the ecological and financial costs of a utility network that was almost never designed to handle such strain.
Makes sense - thanks.
Of course! Thanks for asking for clarification.
i mean, a regulation could be made up that requires data center operators to bring their own supplies, i.e. make up additional plumbing for the village. and pipe the water from somewhere where it's plentiful. a big river or sth.