{
  "id": 4974412,
  "title": "Sam Altman says fears that AI data centers guzzle water are overblown — but hard to dispel",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/sam-altman-says-fears-that-ai-data-centers-guzzle-water-are-overblown",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-09-02T00:20:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/sam-altman-ai-data-center-water-overblown-hard-to-dispel-2026-9"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "OpenAI CEO Sam Altman downplayed worries about AI data centers consuming excessive water, but acknowledged it is a persistent issue. In an interview for the Sources podcast, Altman stated that modern data centers use water usage similar to a large office building, which is a common misconception. He also pointed out that ChatGPT queries use a significantly smaller amount of water compared to growing a single almond in California. The concern about water usage in AI has been a strong talking point against data centers, with 71% of Americans reportedly opposing data center construction due to environmental concerns, and 18% specifically citing water usage. In response to the backlash, Altman emphasized the industry's responsibility to change public perception by delivering value through easy-to-use AI products.",
  "summary": "Sam Altman says concerns about AI's water use are overblown, comparing ChatGPT's water use to that of growing almonds in California.",
  "key_points": [
    "Sam Altman downplayed AI data centers' water consumption concerns.",
    "Modern data centers use water similarly to a large office building.",
    "ChatGPT queries use less water than growing a single almond in California."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Sam Altman's comments aim to shift public perception of AI data centers by downplaying water usage concerns, framing them as manageable and part of a broader environmental context.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}