Link: UK government suggests deleting files to save water

The National Drought Group is encouraging UK residents to delete old emails as part of broader water-saving efforts amidst severe drought conditions. Officials point out that data centers, integral to storing digital files, require significant amounts of water primarily for cooling purposes.

Data centers can consume upwards of 25 million liters of water yearly, depending on their cooling technology. Efforts are underway by major tech companies to reduce this consumption through innovative methods like underwater data centers or using non-evaporative coolants.

The UK is experiencing its fourth heatwave this summer, contributing to the driest conditions since 1976. Drought has been officially declared in five regions, with six more experiencing prolonged dry spells.

Efforts to reduce water usage are showing tangible results, with a 20% drop in water demand reported in the Severn Trent area after intensified water-saving campaigns. Simple measures like fixing leaky toilets can conserve hundreds of liters of water daily.

Helen Wakeham of the Environment Agency emphasizes that everyday actions, such as turning off taps and managing email storage, support the collective effort to preserve water resources. These steps help maintain the ecological balance of rivers and wildlife.

The importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources is also highlighted as a way to reduce water expenditure in energy production, which relies heavily on water for cooling and steam generation in conventional power plants. #

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