The artificial intelligence (AI) boom promises to revolutionize many industries, but it’s also guaranteed to guzzle a lot of water.
Between the water needed to cool computer equipment at data centers and generate the electricity needed for those centers, researchers estimate that global AI demand could account for 4.2 billion to 6.6 billion cubic meters of water withdrawal in 2027.
And that’s just one of the demand pressures on the world’s water supplies. Demand is increasing as the global population grows, becomes more urban and increases standards of living. Supply is at risk as climate change makes droughts worse.
With that in mind, here’s a look at seven top companies and funds involved in the water industry.
This post originally appeared at U.S. News & World Report.