Ecolab’s Water-Saving Solutions for AI Data Centres

It is now well known that water consumption from AI infrastructure is a constraint on the technology sector’s growth. 

Ecolab, a Minnesota-based provider of water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions, is positioning its water management systems as a response to cooling demands from data centres and AI computing facilities.

Christophe Beck, CEO at Ecolab, addresses the intersection of AI expansion and resource management during Climate Week NYC. 

“AI will unleash growth like we’ve never seen before – but only if we build systems that reuse water and energy at scale, as nature has for millions of years,” he says.

The company’s 2024 impact report states that Ecolab supported customers to save 226 billion gallons of water while managing one trillion gallons for customers globally. 

The firm has set a 2025 target of 234 billion gallons in water savings and reports achieving 74% of this goal.

Ecolab’s four-stage water management process

Ecolab is establishing a process for clients that begins with the Smart Water Navigator, a service the company provides at no cost to identify and quantify water-related risks in operations. 

The system then uses Water Track IQ, which targets opportunities for water reduction. 

Implementation occurs through 3D TRASAR Technology, a treatment system that monitors and adjusts water chemistry in cooling towers and boilers. 

Clients track performance through ECOLAB3D, a digital platform for operational monitoring.

Within its own facilities, Ecolab has deployed these tools and reports a 29% reduction in water impact intensity, working towards a 40% reduction target by 2030. 

Christophe frames the opportunity in terms of corporate influence: “Water is our most vital resource,” he says.

“We can’t create more of it; we must protect what we have. The good news? Just 150 companies can influence one-third of the world’s supply. 

“That’s real power and real opportunity. And I believe we’re ready to meet it.”

The company states that water management affects climate outcomes because moving, cooling, heating and treating water throughout industrial processes requires energy consumption. 

Ecolab’s 2024 Climate Impact report documents a 33% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, which refer to direct emissions from owned sources and indirect emissions from purchased energy respectively. 

The report also states that 71% of the company’s electricity comes from renewable sources and that customer implementations avoided 3.6 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. 

Furthermore, the firm has set a 2030 goal of supporting customers to avoid six million metric tons of emissions annually through water management.

How Ecolab is addressing cooling efficiency in AI infrastructure

The company is developing initiatives for AI-related infrastructure, focusing on optimisation of cooling loops, monitoring of cooling performance and management of system energy load. 

Data centres use cooling systems to prevent server equipment from overheating, with water often serving as a cooling medium in these facilities.

Nevin Sant, Global Vice President of Research & Development at Ecolab, identifies thermal management as a priority.

He says: “Cooling efficiency is the biggest factor we are focused on right now.

“Managing thermal demand is critical to control total power and water consumption. 

“We’re rolling out an innovation strategy including coolant, digital and monitoring processes along with our onsite services to help companies address cooling efficiency and better position themselves to manage energy demands.”

Ecolab’s approach centres on reducing cooling power requirements and returning energy to computing systems where possible. 

The company promotes what it describes as a circular approach to water and energy management, which involves reducing initial consumption, reusing water within systems and reclaiming water after use.

The impact of water management extending to food supply applications

Beyond AI infrastructure, Ecolab provides solutions for food safety across supply chains. 

The company partners with Nalco Water, its water treatment subsidiary, to work with a Brazilian sugar and ethanol producer, achieving a 22% annual reduction in sulfuric acid consumption. 

Nalco Water offers treatment systems for industrial wastewater from initial clarification through to discharge.

Christophe emphasises cross-sector collaboration in resource management.

“A positive future depends on collaboration,” he says.

“As I shared in New York, we must continue to make connections, commit to action and own our spot as leaders shaping the future of growth and water.”