00:00Artificial intelligence may seem weightless, but it depends on massive physical infrastructure.
00:05Across the United States, data centers now number more than 5,000.
00:09Together, they consume nearly half a billion gallons of water every day.
00:14Much of that water is used to cool, powerful computing equipment.
00:17A large XAI facility near Memphis, Tennessee, can use up to 5 million gallons daily.
00:23That equals roughly 1.8 billion gallons over a year.
00:26The growing demand also brings energy and pollution concerns.
00:30The Memphis facility uses gas turbines to help meet its enormous power needs.
00:35The plant emitted an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 tons of nitrogen oxides annually.
00:40Experts say recycling water could reduce pressure on local supplies.
00:45Cleaner electricity and battery storage could also reduce reliance on generators.
00:49As AI expands, managing water, energy, and environmental impacts will become increasingly important.
00:56Disclosure, this video contains stock footage and content created or enhanced using AI-assisted tools.
