The Gen Z mind can’t comprehend how the older generations made it through the day without sipping a Stanley. 🥤 Back in the Millennial era, we ran on Diet Pepsi and vibes. And we still look younger! 💅
Speaking of hydration, water demand in Ohio is expected to surge big time over the next several decades. 📈 How will that impact farming in the Buckeye State? Let’s take a look.
Here’s Five Fast Facts on how water demand impacts Ohio’s farmers:
- 🤖 Silicon Heartland - The AI boom has been bringing a ton of data centers to Ohio. These powerhouses use an insane amount of water to keep computer equipment cool. Right now, Ohio is home to 130 data centers.
- 💦 Thirst Trap - By 2050, experts estimate industrial demand for water will rise by 120% to 250 million gallons per day! Agricultural demand for water is also expected to rise to 110 million gallons a day by 2040. This has a lot of folks wondering…where will it all come from?
- 🧑🌾 Heading Underground - Some say the agricultural demand could be quenched through irrigation and groundwater sources. According to one study, an additional 9.15 billion gallons a year (or 14,000 Olympic swimming pools) could come from groundwater.
- 💸 Mad Money - But here’s the twist. Irrigation takes a lot of work and a lot of resources. Farmers who don’t use irrigation today would need to buy expensive equipment…and that bill’s a hefty one.
- 🌡️ Spare Change - According to another report, climate change is expected to drive water demand, too. In Licking County, farmers need around 5 inches of rain per year. A month’s worth is usually around 3 inches, but Ohio also had three droughts over the last three years. This past August was the driest on record.
🔥Bottom line: Water water everywhere, but not a drop to drink (or to farm with). Maybe the AI giants should take a chill pill. New data centers are sucking up power on grids all across the country. It’s one of the reasons your electric bills might be higher than usual lately. Want tips to lower those costs? In this article, we spill some secrets.
What’s your take on all the new data centers?
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