Amazon Reports Improved Water Efficiency in Data Centers Amid Seattle Build Freeze

WHO:

Techmeme - Amazon is the organization involved in reporting water efficiency in its data centers.

WHAT:

Techmeme - Amazon's data centers used approximately 2.5 billion gallons of water in 2025.

Techmeme - The water use at sites owned and operated by Amazon fell by 2% from 2024 levels.

GeekWire - Amazon claims its data centers are seven times more water-efficient than its rivals.

WHERE:

GeekWire - The context involves Seattle, where there is a pause on new data center builds.

WHEN:

Techmeme - The water usage statistics pertain to the year 2025.

WHY:

GeekWire - Amazon is attempting to change the narrative regarding the environmental impact of data centers as local communities are halting rapid AI expansion.

HOW:

Techmeme - Amazon reported a decrease in water use while simultaneously expanding its data center footprint.

(UPDATED June 11, 2026 16:25 UTC)

Amazon has reported that its data centers used approximately 2.5 billion gallons of water in 2025, marking a 2% decrease from the previous year. The company claims its facilities are seven times more water-efficient than those of its competitors, as it seeks to reshape the conversation around the environmental impact of data centers amid a pause on new builds in Seattle. This reduction in water use comes even as Amazon continues to expand its data center operations.