Re:The Big Semiconductor Water Problem
by cute_boi on Saturday March 12, 2022 @02:12PM
(#30653939)
I was so chilled, when I researched about water consumption by data center. They show us how datacenters etc are carbon neutral, but hide the water consumption. Semiconductor just don't have water problem, but many other issues like chemicals, high energy usage etc.. So, I think government should regulate company and enforce durable electronics item which should last minimum 10 years.
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Re:The Big Semiconductor Water Problem
by londons_explore on Saturday March 12, 2022 @02:47PM
(#30654279)
Datacenter water use is almost entirely for cooling. The water is evaporated into the air, and falls again as rain, effectively allowing that water to be reused.
In a large river basin, there is a very high chance the water falls again as rain into the very same river it was extracted from. In that case, it's a closed loop system.
This is unlike other water uses, like washing wafers, where the water will end up in a sewer and eventually into the sea.
The problem is when water evaporates and come as a rain, it is distributed. And, we need large amount of fresh water in one area. Additionally, you are not considering the time closed loop system takes to replenish the water source.
I agree with your last point. However, I think they still can filter and make it harmless, but we know there is no incentive to do that and the cost is high.