Water-Positive Data Center Programs

Microsoft achieved a key milestone toward its 2030 goal of becoming a water-positive data center operator, replenishing more water than it withdrew across global operations in FY25. The company improved its water use effectiveness by nearly 90% since its earliest data centers, reducing consumption from 2.3 liters per kilowatt-hour to 0.27 liters in 2025.

Innovations driving this progress include direct air cooling with evaporative assist, introduced in 2008, and a 2024 chip-level cooling design that uses no water during AI workloads. Microsoft also expanded the use of recycled and non-potable water in key locations, including Singapore and San Antonio, while partnering with The Nature Conservancy to restore wetlands that replenish groundwater across the U.S. Midwest.

Microsoft shows how engineering innovation is helping data center operators reduce water consumption while supporting the continued growth of AI infrastructure.

Image Credit: