Jul 24, 2024 in Uncategorized
The Hidden Cost of Data: Navigating the Water Usage Crisis in South Africa

As South Africa continues to advance technologically, the country faces a serious challenge: balancing the booming demand for data with the increasing scarcity of water. Data centres, the backbone of our digital age, require vast amounts of water for both electricity generation and cooling. In a country where water is a precious and limited resource, this presents a significant risk.

 Why makes data centres so thirsty?

Data centres are essential for the storage, processing, and dissemination of information. As Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other data-intensive technologies continue to grow, so does the need for data centres. However, this growth comes at a cost.

To understand the gravity of the situation, consider that it takes about 7.6 litres of water to generate just 1 kWh of energy in the US. For cooling, an average data centre uses approximately 1.8 litres of water for every kWh it consumes. While these numbers might seem small in isolation, they add up quickly given the scale at which data centres operate.

Despite the significant carbon footprint of data centres being well-documented, their water usage remains less transparent. This is a growing concern as the proportion of companies using AI more than doubled between 2017 and 2022. For instance, Google’s data centre water consumption increased by more than 60% in just four years, from 3,412 million gallons in 2019 to 5,565 million gallons in 2022.

According to a recent research report, training OpenSource’s GPT-3 in Microsoft’s state-of-the-art US data centres can directly consume a total of 700,000 litres of clean freshwater. To put this into clearer perspective, the paper notes that this language prediction model needs to “drink” a 500ml bottle of water to handle a simple conversation of about 20-50 questions and answers per user. If this training were conducted in Microsoft’s Asian data centres, it would consume three times as much water due to the warmer and drier climate, which requires more water for cooling.

The South African context

We already know that South Africa is a water-scarce country. With periodic droughts and a growing population, the pressure on our water resources is immense. The increasing demand for data centres exacerbates this issue, as more water is diverted to generate electricity and cool these facilities. This diversion places additional strain on already overburdened water supplies, impacting both the environment and the economy.

Sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa, is one of several regions facing a water crisis, with water demand expected to almost quadruple by 2030. Yet, it is still a hub for data centre investments. The demand for data centres on the continent has doubled since 2016, and it is expected to attract US$5 billion in investments by 2026, potentially putting even further strain on water resources.

To put this into a South African context, there are currently 68 South African data centres, the majority of which are located in and around Cape Town and Johannesburg. Large carrier-neutral South African data centres feature rich ecosystems and state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring maximum uptime and connectivity to over 1,476 service providers. What’s more, Amazon is building a big data centre in Cape Town which will most likely position South African as the data centre capital of Africa.

The role of Filcon Filters in mitigating water scarcity

At Filcon Filters, we understand the critical need to address these challenges head-on. Our mission goes beyond manufacturing and distributing filtration products; we aim to solve filtration problems and provide sustainable solutions to our clients.

One of the key ways we contribute is by advising and assisting companies in implementing water recycling and reuse strategies. By optimising water usage, companies can significantly reduce their environmental footprint and ensure a more sustainable future.

Water recycling and reuse: a sustainable solution

Recycling and reusing water can alleviate some of the pressure on South Africa’s water resources. Here’s how Filcon Filters can help:

 1. Assessment and analysis: We begin by conducting a thorough assessment of a company’s water usage. This involves identifying key areas where water consumption is highest and where recycling can be most effectively implemented.

2. Customised solutions: Based on the assessment, we develop customised filtration solutions that cater to the specific needs of the company. These solutions are designed to maximise water reuse while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency.

3. Implementation and support: Our team provides ongoing support throughout the implementation process, ensuring that the filtration systems are installed correctly and function optimally. We also offer maintenance services to keep the systems running smoothly.

4. Education and training: We believe in empowering our clients with the knowledge they need to manage their water resources effectively. Our educational programs and training sessions are designed to equip companies with the skills and understanding necessary to maintain sustainable water practices.

The bigger picture

Addressing the water usage of data centres is not just about solving an immediate problem; it’s about securing the future of South Africa’s water resources. By adopting water recycling and reuse strategies, companies can play a crucial role in preserving this vital resource for future generations.

The rapid growth of data centres poses a significant risk to South Africa’s water resources. However, with proactive measures and sustainable solutions, it is possible to mitigate this risk. Filcon Filters is committed to helping companies navigate these challenges by providing expert advice, customised filtration solutions, and ongoing support. Together, we can ensure that the digital age does not come at the cost of our precious water resources.