The rapid evolution of computing power, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), is reshaping the data centre landscape. With industry forecasts predicting a significant rise in computing power over the next five years, the demand on data centres is unprecedented. AI alone is expected to require 6.6 billion litres of water annually by 2027.

This surge in demand brings unique challenges. Data centres, as critical enablers of the digital economy, must manage growth while maintaining environmental compliance and public accountability.Â
In a world where sustainability is no longer optional, efficient water treatment plays a pivotal role in ensuring scalable and eco-friendly operations.
The important role of water treatment in data centre operations
Water is integral to the day-to-day functioning of data centres, particularly in three key areas:
Pretreatment of incoming water:Â ensuring water quality is essential to maintaining the efficiency and longevity of cooling systems. Pretreatment processes remove impurities, minimise scaling, and reduce the risk of corrosion, improving operational reliability.
Cooling system water processing: cooling systems are some of the largest consumers of water in data centres. Effective water treatment optimises their performance, reduces environmental impact, and lowers operational costs. Innovations in this area significantly decrease both water and energy usage, creating a more sustainable framework for growth.
Wastewater management:Â as data centres expand, managing wastewater becomes increasingly critical. Traditional disposal methods are often expensive and environmentally unsustainable. Advanced solutions like zero liquid discharge (ZLD) systems recover water for reuse within the facility. Additionally, integrating treated effluent from external sources, such as nearby industrial sites, reduces reliance on freshwater and alleviates regional water supply pressures.
Scaling water treatment for future growth
With AI adoption driving exponential growth, scalable and sustainable water treatment systems are no longer a luxury but a necessity. Addressing the unique needs of each data centre is key, as factors such as local water quality, facility size, and cooling system design vary significantly.Â

Predictive performance analytics, supported by machine learning and trending tools, enable real-time monitoring of system efficiency. These insights help operators pinpoint inefficiencies, predict maintenance needs, and optimise water usage.Â
High-efficiency water treatment technologies, such as variable power reverse osmosis (RO) systems, adjust energy consumption based on demand. Similarly, electro-deionisation (EDI) technologies eliminate the need for hazardous chemicals, simplifying operations while lowering environmental impact.
Reducing freshwater dependency
To achieve long-term sustainability, data centres must reduce their dependency on freshwater through water reuse and alternative sourcing. Treated wastewater can be recycled for cooling or cleaning, creating a closed-loop system that minimises waste. ZLD systems enhance this efficiency further by recovering all usable water, leaving no liquid waste for disposal.
Non-freshwater sources, such as seawater or brackish water, also offer viable alternatives. Advanced desalination technologies make these sources usable, while treated effluent from industrial or municipal processes can be incorporated into operations to ease the strain on local water supplies.
Partner with PureTec separations for sustainable growth
The relentless pace of technological advancement means data centres face the dual challenge of scaling operations while maintaining their sustainability commitments. At PureTec Separations, we understand these unique challenges and our bespoke water treatment solutions are designed to optimise performance, reduce environmental impact, and support your sustainability objectives.
If you’re ready to future-proof your operations with innovative water management strategies, get in touch with our expert team today.

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