Microsoft Data Center to use almost 86M gallons of Recycled Water!

For the Green files – I was trolling through the news feeds I came across this local link in Texas which outlines the agreements made between Microsoft and the local water utility.   The article mentions that Microsoft and a local community college have agreed to take down 130M gallons per year.  Microsoft committed to 250 acre-feet of water per year, while the college committed to 130 acre-feet.  An Acre-foot is literally one foot of water covering an acre of space.   Using my wizard-like math skills and ancient art of ratios, this means that Microsoft will consume roughly 86M gallons of recycled water.   That is just an amazing amount of water.  I think its very admirable they are taking this water from the recycled system and not the local supply.  It makes me think how many other data centers are drawing water from their local systems. 

I recall Microsoft’s Manos state at the Data Center Conference stating something to the effect that while the focus today is on energy consumption, ‘it won’t be too long before the industry’s water use gets additional scrutiny.’ 

I can see why, that kind of water could make a nice sized lake!  Water-skiing anyone?