Sam Altman reveals ChatGPT query water usage is exceptionally low

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently shared insights on the resource consumption of ChatGPT queries in a blog post published on a Tuesday in June 2025. In his post, he highlighted that an average ChatGPT query utilizes approximately 0.000085 gallons of water, equivalent to about one fifteenth of a teaspoon. This claim has drawn attention amid increasing scrutiny regarding the energy and resource costs associated with AI technologies, particularly in the context of growing data demands and global concerns over energy usage. Altman explained that a typical ChatGPT query consumes about 0.34 watt-hours of energy, which he contextualized by comparing it to the power used by common household appliances, like an oven or a light bulb. He suggested that as the industry progresses, the costs associated with AI intelligence would likely converge to the cost of electricity. This assertion comes amid discussions and forecasts indicating that the energy consumption of AI could potentially surpass that of Bitcoin mining by the year's end. Furthermore, the water used by datacenters can vary based on their geographical location, highlighting the complexities in measuring environmental impact in technology. Altman's statements are part of a broader dialogue about the sustainability of artificial intelligence and the responsibility of AI companies to be transparent about their resource consumption.