Reducing Water Usage Costs In U.S. Datacenters Through Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring

Datacenters rely heavily on water for cooling IT equipment, and as a result, consume millions of gallons annually. While onsite water recycling systems are an environmentally responsible alternative, the financial reality often favors the continued use of municipal freshwater. This whitepaper provides a detailed 10-year cost comparison between freshwater usage and water recycling, showing that the total cost of recycling systems typically outweighs the cost of municipal water usage in the United States.

Given this cost dynamic, this whitepaper also highlights the role of real-time water quality monitoring solutions, such as KETOS SHIELD, in optimizing water usage and safeguarding the quality of public waters. Monitoring influent water streams reduces operational costs by improving cooling efficiency and minimizing chemical usage. Monitoring effluent streams ensures compliance with discharge regulations, avoiding fines and reputational damage. Together, these systems offer quantifiable savings, making them essential for efficient water management in datacenter applications.