Are ChatGPT and AI Servers Cooled with Water?

Are ChatGPT and AI Servers Cooled with Water?

Experts Evaluate Claims on Social Media

Recently, claims have circulated on social media that AI systems like ChatGPT consume large amounts of water while operating. These allegations have raised questions about the environmental impact of artificial intelligence. Experts, however, state that the claims are partially true but are incomplete or misinterpreted.

The Infrastructure Behind AI Systems

Large language models like ChatGPT don’t run on individual devices but in high-capacity data centers. These centers host thousands of CPUs and GPUs, which perform intensive calculations 24/7. Due to the immense heat generated, cooling systems are a critical part of the AI infrastructure. Experts in data center technology explain that traditional air cooling systems are often insufficient and energy-costly for such powerful processing needs.

The Reality of Water Cooling

Experts confirm that water-based cooling systems are commonly used in modern data centers. However, they emphasize that this doesn’t mean servers are submerged in water, as often suggested in public discussions.

A data center infrastructure expert commented on the matter:

“The systems in question are closed-loop industrial cooling solutions. The water does not come into contact with the hardware and is not a constantly flowing resource.”

What Cooling Methods Are Used?

The main water-based cooling methods used in data centers include:

• Closed-loop water cooling: Systems where the same water circulates repeatedly, minimizing waste.
• Evaporative cooling: Reducing energy use by humidifying the air to cool it more efficiently.
• Direct-to-chip cooling: Using water channels close to processors for high-performance GPUs.

According to experts, the new-generation hardware used in AI training cannot operate efficiently without these systems.

"Does ChatGPT Consume Water Per Query?" Claim

The frequently raised question on social media, "How much water does an AI query consume?" is deemed misleading by experts.

An academic specializing in energy efficiency summarized the issue with the following:

“Water usage in data centers cannot be reduced to a single query. The infrastructure serves thousands of users, and most of the water used is recycled and circulates within closed-loop systems.”

Why is Water Preferred?

Experts explain that water-based cooling is favored for several reasons:

• Water is much more efficient at transferring heat than air.
• It helps reduce electricity consumption.
• It lowers carbon emissions.
• It is well-suited for high-density AI hardware.

For this reason, large tech companies are moving away from traditional air conditioning systems and turning to water-based solutions in their data centers.

Ongoing Environmental Impact Discussions

Experts also acknowledge that water use is not without its challenges. They stress the importance of careful planning for data centers in regions where water resources are limited. However, they also argue that, among current technologies, water-based cooling remains the most balanced solution.

While it’s true that ChatGPT and similar AI systems use water cooling, experts clarify that this does not equate to uncontrolled consumption. On the contrary, given current conditions, water-based systems are one of the most feasible methods for ensuring energy efficiency and sustainability.