PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(2 September 2026)

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what consideration his Department has given to the potential merits of implementing the recommendation from the Government Digital Sustainability Alliance's report on 'Water use in AI and Data Centres' to mandate comprehensive and location-based water reporting for data centres.

Asked by:
Dr Ellie Chowns (Green Party)

BIST engages regularly with DEFRA and the Environment Agency to ensure data infrastructure does not compromise public water supply resilience. The Government supports efficient cooling technologies, including closed-loop systems and alternative sources such as rainwater harvesting.

AI Growth Zone applicants must provide water plans and confirmation of feasibility from the relevant water supplier. Data centre developers progressing through the NSIP regime must assess impacts on water resources through Environmental Impact Assessments, while national planning policy embeds sustainable water use and resource efficiency in decision-making.

Answered by:
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