Amazon says data center water usage declined 2% in 2025 despite rapid buildout

Amazon said its global data center network reduced water withdrawn for cooling by 2% year over year in 2025, despite rapid expansion driven by AI demand. The update highlights Amazon’s push to reassure investors and communities about the environmental footprint of its infrastructure buildout. The company said its data centers use less water per kilowatt-hour than major peers and reiterated plans to become “water positive” by 2030, returning more water to communities than it consumes. The article also notes that public opposition to data center power and water usage is increasingly affecting project approvals, with billions of dollars in projects delayed or blocked. Overall, the news is mildly supportive for Amazon’s ESG narrative but does not materially change the core investment thesis beyond showing improved operational efficiency amid heavy capex growth.