As artificial intelligence technologies continue to expand rapidly in the digital age, experts are drawing attention to the "hidden water consumption" generated behind these systems. Prof. Dr. Yusuf Demir, a faculty member in the Department of Agricultural Structures and Irrigation at the Faculty of Agriculture of Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU), emphasized the indirect impact of artificial intelligence on water resources, stressing that digital transformation must be planned in tandem with water efficiency.

Prof. Dr. Demir noted that artificial intelligence should not be viewed as an adversary but that its environmental impacts must not be overlooked.

"Our goal should not be more artificial intelligence, but more sustainable artificial intelligence."

Referring to assessments conducted specifically for Samsun, Demir stated that water consumption associated with artificial intelligence could account for a significant share of total water use.

"It is estimated that approximately 2 to 3 percent of the water consumed in Samsun is attributable to artificial intelligence-related activities. This represents a volume of water comparable to that used for a substantial portion of the region's irrigated agricultural land."

The Hidden Water Consumption of Data Centers

Explaining how artificial intelligence systems operate, Prof. Dr. Demir noted that every user query generates substantial energy and water costs behind the scenes.

"Every artificial intelligence application operates within massive data centers. The servers in these facilities generate significant heat and must be continuously cooled. This cooling process requires considerable amounts of water. Although a single query may appear insignificant, the cumulative impact of billions of queries is enormous."

"Water Management Has Become a Strategic Security Issue"

Prof. Dr. Demir emphasized that Türkiye is increasingly experiencing the effects of climate change.

"Our country is feeling the impacts of climate change more intensely with each passing year. Rising temperatures, irregular rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, declining groundwater levels, and growing pressure on water resources have transformed water management into a strategic issue directly linked to national security."

He noted that Türkiye is already among the countries experiencing water stress in terms of available freshwater per capita and warned that, if current trends continue, the country may move closer to the threshold of water scarcity in the coming years.

According to Demir, this challenge coincides with the rapid expansion of data centers, the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence, and accelerating digital transformation.

"As the number of data centers increases and artificial intelligence applications become more widespread, the management of water resources will gain an entirely new dimension. Today, when planning energy investments, water requirements must receive equal consideration. Energy and water are two strategic resources that cannot be considered independently."

"The Goal Should Be More Sustainable Artificial Intelligence, Not More Artificial Intelligence"

Prof. Dr. Demir stressed that artificial intelligence should not be regarded as a threat.

"On the contrary, when properly planned, artificial intelligence can become one of the most powerful tools for protecting water resources."

He explained that AI can contribute significantly to sustainable water management by enabling:

• smart irrigation systems that reduce agricultural water consumption;
• real-time detection of leaks in water distribution networks;
• early prediction of droughts and floods;
• more efficient reservoir management; and
• improved forecasting of urban water demand.

He also noted that the same technologies could play a crucial role in climate change adaptation and the sustainable management of natural resources.

"For this reason, our real objective should not be more artificial intelligence but more sustainable artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence will undoubtedly shape humanity's future. However, if that future is to be sustainable, we must protect our natural resources with equal care."

Prof. Dr. Demir argued that attention should now shift from developing only more powerful AI systems to creating systems with lower environmental impacts.

He called for the adoption of a Green Artificial Intelligence approach based on:

• energy-efficient algorithms;
• more efficient processors;
• data centers powered by renewable energy;
• cooling systems using alternative water sources; and
• low-carbon digital infrastructure.

"Just as we now speak of green buildings, green industry, and green transportation, one of tomorrow's most important topics will be green data centers."

Recommendations for Sustainable Digital Transformation

Prof. Dr. Demir concluded by outlining several recommendations for achieving sustainable digital transformation.

He proposed that:

• universities should support interdisciplinary research on Sustainable Artificial Intelligence and Water Management;
• municipalities, water authorities, and organized industrial zones should expand AI-based water management systems;
• water footprint measurement and reporting should become standard practice for data centers;
• priority should be given to technologies that improve the energy and water efficiency of AI applications;
• sustainability standards should be established for digital infrastructure in both the public and private sectors; and
• national artificial intelligence strategies should be fully integrated with water efficiency and climate change adaptation policies.

Concluding his remarks, Prof. Dr. Demir stated:

"Today, the world is experiencing a new industrial revolution. The fuel of this revolution is not data alone, it is also energy, water, and natural resources. If we cannot achieve digital transformation while protecting our natural resources, our technological achievements may ultimately be overshadowed by environmental losses."

He added that the true wealth of nations in the twenty-first century will be measured not only by their capacity to generate data but also by how wisely they manage their water resources.

"The most strategic resource of the future is not oil, but clean, safe, and sustainable water. In the age of artificial intelligence, the smartest societies will be those that can develop technology while protecting their water resources."