Water Pollution: Corporate Contamination And Accountability

Water pollution and consumption by companies is a pressing issue, with the IT industry requiring huge amounts of water for cooling data centres, which are among the top 10 water-consuming sectors in the US. The development of AI has also increased water consumption, with companies like Microsoft and Google reporting increased global water consumption. The cryptocurrency industry, especially bitcoin mining, is another major contributor, with a significant impact on the planet's water supply. The environmental impact of these industries is gaining attention, with tech companies facing scrutiny for their water consumption and the need for better water management strategies.

Water pollution from e-waste

Water pollution is a pressing issue, and companies have a significant role to play in reducing their environmental impact. The IT industry, in particular, has come under scrutiny for its water consumption, with the development of AI being a notable contributor.

While companies like Google, Amazon, and Meta have committed to "water-positive" initiatives, aiming to replenish more water than they consume by 2030, there is a broader issue of e-waste contributing to water pollution that needs addressing.

E-waste, or electronic waste, is defined by the United Nations (UN) as any discarded product with a battery or plug that contains toxic and hazardous substances, such as mercury, lead, and cadmium. These substances pose severe risks to both human and environmental health. Improper disposal of e-waste results in the release of these toxic chemicals into the environment, including water bodies.

The burning of e-waste, often done in unregulated settings, releases hazardous gases and pollutants into the atmosphere, which eventually find their way into water sources. Open-air burning and acid baths used to recover valuable materials like copper, aluminum, and gold from electronic components are significant contributors to this issue.

Furthermore, rainwater can dissolve toxic chemicals present in e-waste, causing them to leach into the soil and eventually reach water bodies. This contamination affects not only surface water but also groundwater, as toxins from landfills can leak into the water table.

The impact of e-waste water pollution extends beyond the environment. Humans and animals are at risk of ingesting contaminated water, leading to the accumulation of heavy metals and toxins in their bodies. This can result in hazardous concentrations of toxins in top predators, including humans, causing adverse health effects such as lead and mercury poisoning.

Children are especially vulnerable to the toxic chemicals in e-waste due to their smaller size and developing organs. They may be exposed to these toxins through various sources, including food, water, breast milk, and even toys contaminated by dust. The health consequences can be severe, including cancers, miscarriages, neurological damage, and diminished IQs.

To address this issue, it is crucial to establish robust e-waste management systems that prioritize safe collection, recycling, and disposal methods. Additionally, companies should strive to create more sustainable products, and consumers should be educated on the importance of proper e-waste disposal and recycling.

Water-intensive AI training

AI models, particularly large language models, require substantial amounts of water for their training and operation. For instance, the training of the GPT-3 model in Microsoft's data centres consumed approximately 700,000 litres of freshwater. This amount of water is equivalent to the water used in manufacturing about 370 BMW cars or 320 Tesla electric vehicles. The water consumption associated with AI training is not limited to a single model; it is a broader issue affecting various AI applications.

Data centres, which are integral to AI operations, require water for cooling systems to maintain the servers. The servers generate heat as electricity moves through them, and cooling systems are necessary to prevent overheating. These cooling systems contribute to water consumption, as they often utilise water to dissipate heat. The location of data centres also plays a role in water consumption, with centres in warmer regions, such as California, facing higher water usage for cooling.

The increasing popularity and advancements in AI have led to a corresponding rise in water usage. ChatGPT, for example, consumes an estimated half a litre of water for every 20 to 50 tasks. With over 100 million users, the cumulative water usage becomes significant. This water consumption is often overlooked, as it is a less apparent environmental impact compared to carbon emissions.

To address this issue, researchers suggest exploiting the "spatio-temporal diversity" of water-use efficiency. By scheduling AI training at different times and locations, developers can reduce the water footprint of their models. Additionally, training AI during cooler hours can help minimise water loss due to evaporation, although this may conflict with carbon-efficient scheduling that favours solar energy.

While companies like Google, Amazon, and Meta have initiated "water-positive" initiatives, aiming to replenish more water than they consume by 2030, it is clear that water-intensive AI training is a pressing issue that requires holistic approaches to balance carbon and water efficiency.

Water consumption by data centres

Data centres are significant consumers of natural resources, and while carbon emissions and electricity consumption often capture the most attention, water usage is also gaining recognition. Water is essential for cooling systems, which include cooling towers, chillers, pumps, pipes, heat exchangers, condensers, and computer room air handler (CRAH) units. These cooling systems are crucial to prevent equipment from overheating and breaking down. Data centres also use water for humidification systems and facility maintenance.

The major areas of water consumption in data centres are the cooling and humidification systems. These systems use water-based cooling methods to maintain safe temperatures for the sensitive and power-intensive IT equipment. While some systems recirculate water, water loss occurs due to evaporation and the need to maintain water quality. Data centres located in or near cities may compete with people for resources, especially during times of water scarcity and extreme heat events.

The water consumption of data centres has been scrutinised in recent years due to their environmental impact. Some companies, like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, have reported their water consumption figures. For example, Google reported 15.8 billion litres of water consumption in Fiscal Year 2018, while Microsoft reported 3.6 billion litres in the same period. Amazon, however, does not disclose its total water consumption, but a public report stated that AWS data centres use 0.19 litres of water per kilowatt-hour, which is lower than the average data centre consumption of 1.8 litres per kilowatt-hour.

To reduce their environmental impact, data centre operators are exploring ways to improve water sustainability and efficiency. Some strategies include using sustainable water sources, such as recycled water, and implementing water usage effectiveness (WUE) metrics to track and reduce water consumption. Additionally, initiatives like "water positive" goals aim to replenish more water than these companies consume.

Water-intensive chip manufacturing

Water is an essential resource in chip manufacturing. The process requires significant amounts of water, specifically ultrapure water, which is thousands of times cleaner than drinking water. Ultrapure water is necessary to clean the silicon wafers that are processed into computer chips. A single chip fabrication plant can use millions of gallons of water in a day, equivalent to the annual water consumption of a small city.

The demand for semiconductors is increasing, which puts pressure on already stressed water systems. The production process also generates wastewater, which contains pollutants, including heavy metals, that can be harmful to both aquatic ecosystems and humans. Companies are addressing water sustainability through water reclamation and recycling practices. For example, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world's largest contract chipmaker, has committed to reclaiming about 65% of the water used at its new facility in Phoenix, Arizona.

In response to water scarcity and prolonged droughts, chip manufacturers are exploring new ways to recycle, reduce, and reuse water in their production processes. Advanced water treatment technologies enable manufacturers to recover and reuse wastewater, remove targeted contaminants, and reclaim valuable products from waste streams. These practices are essential to ensuring sustainability and continuity in manufacturing operations.

The location of chip manufacturing facilities can also impact water systems. For instance, Intel's planned $20 billion mega-site outside Columbus, Ohio, has prompted the city to invest in a fourth water plant to accommodate the company's water needs. Similarly, TSMC's facility in Arizona will source water from nearby rivers and water infrastructure while also building a water recycling facility.

The water-intensive nature of chip manufacturing has attracted the attention of investors, who are engaging with large tech companies on water sustainability initiatives. As the demand for semiconductors continues to grow, addressing water risk in the supply chain becomes increasingly crucial.

Water risk mitigation strategies

Groundwater Vulnerability Assessment and Risk Mitigation

Groundwater is a vital source of drinking water, irrigation, and industrial processes. However, it is vulnerable to contamination from various sources, including agricultural runoff, industrial activities, and natural disasters. Groundwater vulnerability assessments help identify high-risk areas and implement effective risk mitigation strategies. These strategies may include land-use planning, pollution prevention measures, and remediation technologies. For instance, in areas with intensive agriculture, adopting best management practices can reduce the potential for contamination from fertilizer and pesticide applications.

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)

SuDS are effective tools in flood management and overall water quality improvement. They reduce surface water runoff, allowing water to absorb back into the ground, which helps manage intense rainfall. Implementing SuDS can be particularly beneficial in urbanized areas with higher surface runoff risks.

Corporate Water Sustainability Initiatives

Tech companies, such as Google, Amazon, and Meta, have recognized the increasing water consumption associated with AI development and data centers. These companies have committed to "water-positive" initiatives, aiming to replenish more water than they consume by 2030. Their plans include ecologically resilient watershed projects and community water conservation efforts. Additionally, companies can invest in R&D for environmentally friendly technologies and educate their employees and consumers about water sustainability.

Flood Prevention and Risk Management

Climate change is reshaping flood patterns, and effective flood prevention strategies are crucial to protect lives and property. Strategies such as flood barriers, sustainable land-use planning, and public education can enhance community resilience. The UK's National Planning Policy Framework guides local authorities in making development decisions while considering flood risks. Financial incentives for flood risk management projects encourage infrastructure upgrades and community preparedness.

Legionella Bacteria Control

Legionella bacteria pose significant risks, and contingency plans are necessary to address potential contamination. Strategies such as the addition of chlorine or chloramines can help reduce bacteria levels. On a larger scale, copper-silver ionization may be a cost-effective solution. Continuous control methods and water softeners are also crucial in mitigating the risks of pathogens and bugs in water system piping.

Water risk mitigation requires a multifaceted approach involving governments, corporations, and communities. By implementing these strategies and raising awareness about water sustainability, we can protect our water resources and ensure their long-term availability.

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