Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Ellie Chowns (Green Party) on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 4 September 2026. It was answered by Kanishka Narayan (Labour) on Thursday, 10 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.

Data Centres: Water Supply

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what consideration his Department has given to the potential merits of implementing the recommendation from the Government Digital Sustainability Alliance's report on 'Water use in AI and Data Centres' to mandate comprehensive and location-based water reporting for data centres.

Answer

BIST engages regularly with DEFRA and the Environment Agency to ensure data infrastructure does not compromise public water supply resilience. The Government supports efficient cooling technologies, including closed-loop systems and alternative sources such as rainwater harvesting.

AI Growth Zone applicants must provide water plans and confirmation of feasibility from the relevant water supplier. Data centre developers progressing through the NSIP regime must assess impacts on water resources through Environmental Impact Assessments, while national planning policy embeds sustainable water use and resource efficiency in decision-making.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
26789
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Water supply Artificial intelligence Data centres
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk