Querétaro is a fast-growing city in central Mexico. It has beautiful hills, a famous aqueduct, and a strong economy. Many big tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google are building data centres here. These centres are important for cloud services like email, streaming, and online shopping.
But people in Querétaro are worried. These centres use a lot of water, and the city is already facing drought and water shortages. Locals are asking: Is there enough water for everyone?
Why Data Centres Use So Much Water
Data centres store information and need powerful computers. These computers get hot, so they need cooling. One way to cool them is by using water. Water cools the machines, then evaporates or is reused.
Each data centre can use millions of litres of water every day. In dry places like Querétaro, this can be a big problem.
Querétaro’s population has grown fast. In 1990, about 800,000 people lived there. Today, it has more than 2 million. This puts pressure on the water system.
The city depends on underground water. But scientists say this water is going down. In 2022, officials started rationing water. Some people had no water for days.
In some poor areas, families only get water two times a week. They must store it in tanks. People say it is not fair if tech companies get water every day, but local people do not.
What Locals Are Saying
Some citizens and scientists are trying to stop more data centres. A group called Con Agua No Se Juega (“Don’t Play With Water”) says the government must protect the water for the people, not for business.
One scientist, Rosalía Lara, says, “We are not against technology, but we must use water carefully. The city is in danger.”
Another local, Ana Sánchez, says, “We don’t want to wake up one day with no water in our taps.”
What Big Tech Companies Say
Microsoft says it will use recycled water in its new centre. Google says it is working on “water-positive” goals, meaning it will save more water than it uses. Amazon says it uses air to cool its data centres in dry places.
But many people don’t trust these promises. They want more information. They want laws to protect water and make companies share data about water use.
Government and Future Plans
The government wants Querétaro to be a tech hub. It says data centres bring jobs and money. But it also knows the water problem is real.
Officials say they will build a new water system to bring water from far away. But this is expensive and will take time.
Querétaro is growing. Technology is growing. But water is not. People must find a balance between progress and nature. The question is: Can they do it before it’s too late?
Source: bbc.com
Vocabulary for the Article
City – a big town where many people live.
The city is home to many families.
Water – a clear liquid we drink and use every day.
We need water to live.
Thirst – a strong need to drink or use water.
The plants died from thirst.
Big Tech – large technology companies like Google or Amazon.
Big Tech uses many computers.
Fear – to feel afraid or worried.
People fear they will lose water.
Data center – a place with many computers that store information.
This building is a data center.
Climate – the usual weather in a place.
The climate is hot and dry in this region.
Drought – a long time without rain.
A drought is bad for farms.
Farmers – people who grow food on land.
Farmers need water to grow crops.
River – a long natural waterway.
The river gives water to the city.
Local – from a nearby area.
Local people are worried.
Government – the group of people who run a country or city.
The government wants to save water.
Agreement – a decision made together.
The city made an agreement with the company.
Use up – to finish all of something.
The company may use up all the water.
Limit – a set amount or rule.
They want to limit water use.
Cool – to make something less hot.
Data centers need water to cool computers.
Industry – business that makes things or offers services.
The tech industry is growing fast.
Support – to help or agree with something.
Some people support the project.
Protest – to show you don’t agree.
Some locals protest against Big Tech.
Future – the time that will come later.
People worry about the future of their water.
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