The Badge Archive

A.I. Water Consumption

Many scout leaders care deeply about the planet. We’ve taught scouts to leave no trace, to respect nature, and to be stewards of the world we share. So when you hear that artificial intelligence, these new tools we’re all starting to use, consume water and energy at alarming rates, it’s natural to feel concerned. It’s natural to ask, “Is this the line we shouldn’t cross?”

Let’s pause for a moment and look at the bigger picture.

AI may be the tipping point that caught your attention, but it’s not the beginning of the problem. Every time we send an email, stream a video, check our troop calendar, or charge our phones, we’re tapping into a vast digital infrastructure. There are data centers, cell towers, and manufacturing plants that already consume enormous amounts of energy and water. The truth is, we’ve been living in this system for years. AI just expanded everything. We’re realizing the impact all our tech is having on our environment and it’s startling some.

So what do we do with that truth?

We don’t throw away our phones. We don’t shut down our websites. And we don’t stop using tools that help us lead, connect, and educate. What we do is make conscious choices. We ask hard questions.

We teach our scouts not just to recycle their water bottles, but to understand that every recycling plant also uses precious resources. Reusable bottles are better than single-use plastics, even when recycled. It’s the same concept when it comes to technology: we need to help scouts understand the invisible systems behind their screens. The idea is to model stewardship, a thoughtful use over avoidance and fear.

AI is powerful. So is the rest of our tech. We are the ones who decide how it’s used. If anyone can lead the way in using these tools responsibly, it’s the leaders who already know how to balance progress with principle.

How Much Water Does AI Use?

AI models, especially large ones like chatbots and image generators, require enormous computing power. That means:

  • High electricity demand, which indirectly uses water (especially if powered by fossil fuels).
  • Direct water use for cooling servers in data centers.
  • Estimates suggest that generating a single AI response can use up to half a liter of water, mostly through energy production.

What About Phones, Tablets, and Websites?

Scout leaders already rely on:

  • Smartphones and tablets for communication, photos, and apps.
  • Websites and cloud storage for troop management, badge tracking, and resource sharing.
  • Virtual meetings and social media for connecting with families and other leaders.

These tools also depend on data centers and electricity. In fact:

  • Traditional web servers use water for cooling, though less per task than AI.
  • Mobile infrastructure (cell towers, charging, manufacturing) has a large environmental footprint, especially during production and disposal.
  • E-waste and rare earth mining tied to mobile devices are major global concerns.

Water Use Comparison

Infrastructure TypePurposeWater Use Highlights
AI-Focused Data Centers
Train and run large AI models		Up to 5 million gallons/day; ~0.5 liters per 100-word prompt; demand growing rapidly
Traditional Web Data CentersPower websites, email, cloud storage
~1.9 liters per kWh; ~110 million gallons/year for medium-sized centers
Mobile InfrastructureSupport cell networks and device chargingLower direct water use; impact mostly from electricity and manufacturing

So What Can We Do?

Let’s be honest: AI isn’t going away. It’s already woven into the tools we use, sometimes without our consent. Many search engines now include AI-generated answers by default. Even if we try to avoid it, we’re still drawing on the same infrastructure that powers AI: data centers, electricity grids, and cooling systems that consume water and energy.

But that doesn’t mean we’re powerless. We can choose how we use these tools.

  • Ask yourself: Are we using AI to solve real problems or just to pass the time?
  • Ask yourself: Are we turning to bots for meaningful help or as a substitute for human connection?
  • Ask yourself: Are we generating images and content that serve a purpose or just for a quick laugh?

These questions matter. Because while every digital action has a footprint, not every action has equal value.

Here at The Badge Archive, we believe that avoiding AI entirely won’t fix the problem. But using it intentionally, with purpose, awareness, and restraint, can make a difference. And teaching our scouts to think critically about their digital choices? That’s leadership.

Let’s model what it means to be thoughtful digital citizens. Let’s use technology to build, not just consume. And let’s keep asking the hard questions, because that’s how change begins.

Resources

Tia Kennard

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