How much water do Calgary’s AI data centres consume? Not as much as you might think

Calgary’s recent return to water restrictions has had several social media users placing the blame on AI data centres and their massive water consumption.

But how much truth is in that accusation?

Nicole Newton, the city’s director of climate and environment, cited 2024 data from the Canada Energy Regulator confirming there are 11 data centres operating in the city — but when it comes to water usage, they aren’t really making a splash.

“I can assure you that data centres that are operating in Calgary are not among our top users,” Newton said at a press conference Tuesday.

According to the city, residents account for more than 60 per cent of the city's water use, while businesses make up about 30 per cent.

In a statement, Newton explained that water meter data shows water use among data centres is low compared to other industrial, commercial and institutional customers.

She added there is “currently no evidence data centre operations are adversely affecting Calgary’s water supply.” 

While the provincial government has been pushing for AI data centre investments in Alberta, several of the projects making headlines are still going through approvals and not yet constructed.

Other proposals have been outright rejected, like Kineticor’s in Rocky View County last September and, more recently, a massive data centre pitch for Olds, Alta.

Of the data centres that currently operate in Calgary, most are relatively small, Newton said.

Calgary’s water restrictions are in place because the city has shut down the Bearspaw south feeder main for repairs. The city is reinforcing nine segments of the troubled pipe, which has suffered two catastrophic breaks since 2024 — the most recent one occurring in December.

Because the feeder main transports nearly 60 per cent of Calgary’s potable water, the city has asked residents and businesses to save water by doing things like taking shorter showers and washing laundry less frequently.

There are also mandatory outdoor water restrictions, which prohibit activities like watering plants and washing your driveway.

On the first two days of the new restrictions this week, Calgarians used just under the 500-million-litre benchmark of water.