"Aren't technology companies terrible. They destroy the natural environment for their profit. Look at these large numbers out of context."
> Most data centers (80% for Google) require potable water for cooling, and it can't come straight from a river.
Well, there are two kinds of water that are required for cooling; that which circulates around the datacentre, and the water used to take away the excess heat. These can be different, using heat exchangers to move the heat from one to the other.
> I think you're oversimplifying the "just use rivers" idea.
The most difficult bit appears to be dealing with conservative (with a little c) people and environmental regulation.
> Plus, using potable water in cooling adds mineral deposits to the water
Citation needed ...
I think you're oversimplifying the "just use rivers" idea. Most data centers (80% for Google) require potable water for cooling, and it can't come straight from a river. Plus, using potable water in cooling adds mineral deposits to the water and will require treatment to be consumable again.