Amazon's Water Spotlight: Water Security for Communities

Amazon has marked World Water Day by launching a dedicated water spotlight on its website, detailing the company's approach to water management and highlighting its various replenishment initiatives across the globe.

The digital platform demonstrates the organisation's commitment to responsible water stewardship across all its operational territories.

According to Amazon, collective action is essential for smarter water management practices that safeguard continued access to clean water resources.

The company has set an ambitious target to replenish more water to communities than its data centre operations consume worldwide by 2030.

Amazon recognises water as a vital shared resource, with the company acknowledging that its business decisions carry significant implications for communities, ecosystems and the wider planet.

The organisation's efforts focus on water conservation across its diverse facility portfolio, encompassing data centres, grocery stores and fulfilment centres.

Meighan McLafferty, Director, Industry Relations - Sustainability and The Climate Pledge at Amazon, says on LinkedIn: "Have you ever wondered how much water AI data centres really use, or how farmers are using innovative technology to conserve water? Did you know that globally, about 30% of water is lost to leakage?

"Amazon's newly launched spotlight on water addresses these questions and more. Being a responsible water steward requires moving beyond simple conservation; it requires an all-hands-on-deck mentality and a commitment to both people and the planet.

"By leveraging an innovation-focused approach, we are working to ensure that our operational choices support the long-term health of the planet and the communities we call home."

Replenishing water across global communities

A central element of Amazon's water strategy involves replenishing water within its operations and in surrounding areas.

The company is channelling investment into replenishment projects designed to enhance water access, availability and quality.

These initiatives work through watershed restoration and by delivering clean water and sanitation infrastructure to communities facing the greatest water stress.

Amazon currently operates more than 45 water replenishment projects spanning locations worldwide.

These efforts return more than 18 billion litres of water to communities annually.

The portfolio of projects extends across 14 countries, addressing various challenges including water quantity, quality, drinking water access, leakage issues and diminished stream flow.

In one example, Amazon has partnered with The Nature Conservancy and the City of Cape Town to clear invasive species from 300 hectares of watershed land serving the city.

This initiative aims to boost the water supply available to Cape Town's reservoir system.

Kara Hurst, Chief Sustainability Officer at Amazon, says on LinkedIn: "Technology can be the game changer. Amazon is working with Xylem to reduce leaks by installing smart sensors for water pressure management.

"The project has already saved 1.8 billion litres of water – enough to fill 720 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

"Each project has a distinct story – because while the water crisis is global, it looks different in every community."

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Advancing water reuse at facilities

Amazon's water strategy also prioritises water reuse through sourcing from sustainable alternatives, including recycled water or harvested rainwater.

This approach helps minimise the strain on public water supplies.

The company has established 31 on-site water treatment facilities at AWS data centres, enabling additional water reuse and improved water efficiency across operations.

In November 2025, AWS revealed a substantial expansion of recycled water usage at data centres throughout the United States.

This project preserves more than 2 billion litres of fresh drinking water each year.

According to AWS, the initiative involves collaboration with utilities to collect treated wastewater, purify it to meet specific standards and reintegrate it into operations.