#vancity

...Many data centres use evaporative cooling methods to keep their computers at functioning temperatures. These cooling methods have become a primary critique of the massive centres, as they require the use of freshwater. According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, large data centres can use up to 19 million litres of water every day, and since nearly 80 per cent of that water evaporates, it can’t be reused.

Telus said these new centres will use a different method for cooling called a closed-loop cooling system that will reduce their water usage by up to 80 per cent.

Still, the amount of water needed for these AI data centres is a big concern among community members, especially given the state of B.C.’s water resources. On May 1, Vancouver activated Stage 2 water restrictions to help conserve drinking water in anticipation of a hot, dry summer with low snowpack.

“Metro Vancouver is running out of water. I’ve heard that they’re going to do their best, they’re going to try and use recycled water and it’s going to be a closed loop. But I still have concerns about how much water these are going to use,” Coun. Sean Orr said.

...In recent years, B.C. has seen an increase in extreme heat events throughout the summer months, with more on the horizon. The heat dome that came to the province in 2021 saw over 600 heat-related deaths, and even more adverse health effects, with temperatures in the Lower Mainland breaking previous temperature records by 5 degrees or more.

“Where does this fit into building a city that is actually working to protect disabled life, and life in general,” Gabrielle Peters, disabled writer and policy analyst said. A majority of the people who died during the 2021 heat dome also had pre-existing chronic conditions and limited mobility.