young technician holding digital tablet while checking cooling system of data center


The explosive growth of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers is about to hit the commercial cleaning industry with a potential water scarcity crisis that few saw coming just two or three years ago.

"The industry hasn't felt the squeeze yet because most of these data centers are still on the drawing board or under construction," suggests Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of Waterless Co., Inc. "But that's about to change—and fast."

The numbers are staggering. A single data center can consume millions of gallons of water daily just to cool its microchips and equipment. This unprecedented demand is already straining water utilities, crumbling infrastructure, and sending water costs skyrocketing nationwide.

Where Cleaning Devours Water

No region is safe—Texas, Utah, Arizona, and California face the most immediate impact, according to Reichardt. 

"But make no mistake," he adds, "this is a national problem. Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, and Indiana alone have nearly 600 data centers either planned or already operational."

Robert Kravitz, a veteran building service contractor (BSC), identifies the industry's biggest water users:

  • Restroom and locker room maintenance
  • Carpet extraction cleaning
  • Hard floor cleaning with autoscrubbers
  • Laundering towels, uniforms, mop heads, and cleaning cloths
  • Mop sink operations
  • Hose-downs of walkways, floors, and dock areas

"And then there's waste," Kravitz shares. "Workers over-diluting chemicals, excessive bucket refills, taps left running in janitorial closets, and more. These seemingly minor habits compound into massive water consumption."

Fighting Back: Solutions That Work

Both experts emphasize that the commercial cleaning industry should act now to address current and future water challenges. Critical strategies include:

  • Delay extraction cleaning: Use dry carpet cleaning methods two or three times before resorting to water-intensive extraction
  • Eliminate hosing: Phase out the practice of hosing down indoor and outdoor surfaces
  • Upgrade equipment: Invest in next-generation autoscrubbers that optimize dilution and recycle water
  • Switch to microfiber: These cleaning cloths and mop heads reduce water usage
  • Guide customers: Help clients select water-efficient toilets, faucets, and waterless urinals
  • Market water efficiency: Develop comprehensive water reduction programs and make them central to your bid proposals and brand

"This last point is critical," Reichardt emphasizes. "Green cleaning was the industry's rallying cry 20 years ago. Today, it’s water efficiency—the long-term reduction in water consumption."