Microsoft Bloomberg
Microsoft spent more than $50 billion in capital expenditures in the 12 months ended June 30, mostly on data centers. Photo: Bloomberg

Deployed since August, Microsoft's new data center design will save more than 125 million liters of water per year at each facility.

According to Microsoft, the system uses a “closed loop” to recycle water. Liquid added during construction is continuously circulated — eliminating the need for new supplies.

However, data centers still need clean water for human activities such as bathing, washing, and cooking.

In the 12 months ended June 30, Microsoft spent more than $50 billion in capital expenditures, much of it on building data centers to serve growing AI demand.

This year, the number is expected to rise further because of the huge amount of energy needed to run the network and the water needed to cool the equipment. Many data centers are located in hot, dry areas like Arizona and Texas, so finding ways to conserve water is important.

Microsoft’s current data centers still incorporate older technology, but new projects in Phoenix and Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, will start using “waterless” designs starting in 2026.

(According to Bloomberg)