Every time we stream a movie, send a message, or shop online, data centres are hard at work behind the scenes. These facilities house computer servers that operate 24/7, and for them to run reliably, they need to stay cool. Water plays a crucial role in cooling these systems, but water quality in data centres is just as important as quantity.
In this article, we examine why water is crucial to data centre operations and the risks that poor water quality can pose. We will also look at how proper water treatment and testing ensure everything stays up and running smoothly.
Table of Contents
Data Centres in Ireland & Use of Water
Data centres are the powerful engines that keep the digital world running. Big tech companies are expanding their operations in Ireland, making the country a major hub for technology.
However, operating a data centre presents challenges, especially when it comes to managing heat. The servers inside can overheat quickly, and even small temperature changes can cause condensation. This moisture can damage the equipment and lead to serious problems.
To prevent this, data centres use cooling systems. Some rely on air, but many still depend on water. A 2021 study found that, in some cases, up to 57% of the water used in data centres comes from drinkable sources. As concerns grow about water shortages and the environmental impact of AI and computing, this has raised alarm bells.
Issue of Water Quality in Data Centres
For sustainability, feedwater reuse and recycling in data centres is a possible solution. However, it brings a challenge: managing the water quality.
Compared to clean, drinkable water, reused water or water from other sources is more likely to be of lower quality. This can cause problems like:
➜ Corrosion: When water contains dissolved oxygen or has an incorrect pH level, it can accelerate the breakdown of pipes and equipment.
➜ Scale: Calcium and magnesium salts in the water can form deposits, reducing the cooling efficiency.
➜ Microbiological growth: Bacteria and algae can grow in the water, clogging pipes and interfering with heat transfer.
To avoid these issues, it’s essential to treat the water properly and regularly test its quality to ensure the treatment is effective.
6 Water Treatment Techniques
To manage water quality in data centres, several water treatment methods can be used. These include:
1) Filtration – Removes suspended particles using filters, such as sand beds or cartridges.
2) Ion Exchange Softeners – Replaces calcium and magnesium with sodium to reduce hardness and prevent limescale.
3) Nanofiltration & Reverse Osmosis – Membranes remove salts, particles, and contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes up to 99% of dissolved solids.
3) Chemical Treatment – Adds chemicals that prevent corrosion, scaling, and microbial growth.
5) Dissolved Oxygen Control – Removes oxygen from water to prevent corrosion.
6) UV Radiation Treatment – Utilises ultraviolet light to eliminate bacteria without the use of chemicals.
These treatments are especially important, depending on whether the system is open-loop or closed-loop. Open systems are exposed to the environment and need more treatment. Closed systems are sealed and more controlled but still require careful monitoring.
Importance of Water Monitoring
Treating water isn’t enough on its own. It’s also vital to regularly test the water. Testing helps operators identify problems early and maintain system efficiency. Here are the key things that need to be tested:
➜ pH – Needs to be in a safe range to avoid corrosion or scale.
➜ Conductivity – Tells how many dissolved solids are in the water.
➜ Hardness – Measures calcium and magnesium levels.
➜ Alkalinity – Affects the risk of scaling and corrosion.
➜ Oxygen Levels – Excessive oxygen can cause rust on pipes and equipment.
➜ Microorganisms – Bacteria like Legionella can grow in cooling systems if not controlled.
Southern Scientific’s Testing
With over 30 years of experience in water testing, Southern Scientific can support data centres across Ireland to make sure their water systems are clean, efficient, and reliable.
We can help protect water quality in data centres in a simple 3-step process:
1️⃣ Consultation & Planning – We assess your water cooling system and create a custom testing plan.
2️⃣ Sampling & Testing – We collect water samples and test them in our accredited lab facilities.
3️⃣ Data & Recommendations – We provide a clear report with test results and actionable recommendations.
Keep your data centre’s cooling system running at its best.
