Tech giants strain water and power in Querétaro's datacentre boom

Querétaro is experiencing a surge in datacentre investments from major tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, which are drawn to the region's potential. However, this growth raises concerns about the impact on local water and electricity resources, especially in light of ongoing drought conditions. The state government constructed Aqueduct II in 2011 to address water supply issues, but local communities have reported unmet promises regarding piped water access. Protests have erupted as residents face dwindling water sources, exacerbated by the increasing demands of datacentres. The local government, led by Governor Mauricio Kuri, is seeking technical solutions to the water crisis, including proposals for additional aqueducts. Despite the lack of public data on the specific water needs of datacentres, estimates suggest that a 1MW facility could consume around 25 million litres annually. Some datacentres are adopting closed water systems to mitigate water loss, but concerns remain about the overall sustainability of these operations. Tech giants have not disclosed specific water and electricity requirements for their facilities, instead emphasizing broader commitments to reduce resource consumption. Google anticipates that its investments will significantly boost Mexico's GDP and create numerous jobs by 2030. Meanwhile, Amazon advocates for the use of solar energy and closed-loop cooling systems to lessen water usage in the arid region. As the datacentre boom continues, the balance between technological advancement and environmental sustainability remains a critical issue for Querétaro's communities, highlighting the need for responsible resource management in the face of rapid industrial growth.