UK AI data centers could be given water priority during heatwaves and hosepipe bans — trade body warns that usage hasn’t been factored into AI growth zone projections

• UK trade body has warned that water has not been factored in to UK government AI policy and projections
• The UK is facing a deficit of 5 billion litres of water by 2055
• Data centers are now national infrastructure, meaning water companies will have little control over how much water they consume

The trade body representing UK water companies has criticized government plans for AI growth zones, stating usage by data centers has not been factored into the nation's water forecasts.

Water UK called the plans “fatally flawed” and said that projections “explicitly exclude” data centers.

The trade body added that the government policy “makes not a single mention of water” when it comes to delivering AI growth zones, the AI for science strategy or the AI opportunities action plan.

Public water supplies stretched thin

Water UK released its criticism of the government’s policy in a written briefing to MPs...

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