Gresham Smith is proud to announce that Water Resources Engineer Diana Chumak, P.E. and Engineering Technician Camille Colter will present at the Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) Conference in Savannah, Georgia, next week. A summary of the presentation is below.
A Gallon of Water for your Query: Sustainable Approaches to Quenching AI’s Thirst
Presented by Diana Chumak, P.E., and Camille Colter
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and applications like Chat GPT mimic human intelligence via machine learning, using vast computing power in data centers to train and operate these systems. While having a superficial association with “clean technology”, AI has a very large carbon, energy, and water footprint. If innovative solutions for water use are not implemented, these facilities can strain local water systems and utilities.
This presentation will explore the rise of data centers in the US and their impact on the environment with a focus on water. This includes discussing how water footprint is determined and methods to manage and reduce the water demands associated with data center operations, such as water reuse. We will examine current facilities, public perception, and industry transparency. As the demand for AI increases, it is essential for data centers to mitigate their resource intensity and the impact on the communities they are a part of.
By the end of this presentation, attendees will have gained an understanding of data centers in the US, the water resources they need to operate and the innovative approaches to using these resources more sustainably. This knowledge will lead to creative solutions to water management and supply challenges on data center projects and support sustainable and resilient operation of these facilities within their communities.
