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Written question asked by James McMurdock (Independent (affiliation)) on Friday, 10 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 July 2026. It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Thursday, 16 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Water: Data Centres

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate she has made of the volume of water expected to be required annually by AI-capable data centres.

Answer

Defra is working with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Environment Agency and water companies to improve understanding of data centre water demand. Defra is building the evidence base on water use, considering its implications through national water resources planning, and supporting efficient, sustainable water use by the sector.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
17928
Session
2026-27
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Water Data centres
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk