Most US data centers continue to be built in drought zones

Planned

data centers

809 total

6%

517 in areas

classified as

drought-

stricken over

the past year

Operational

data centers

601 total

21%

392

8%

8%

30%

30%

6%

22%

19%

Abnormally

dry

13%

17%

No drought

22%

Drought level

Moderate

Severe

Extreme

Exceptional

Planned

data centers

809 total

6%

517 in areas

classified as

drought-

stricken over

the past year

Operational

data centers

601 total

21%

392

8%

8%

30%

30%

6%

22%

19%

Abnormally

dry

13%

17%

No drought

22%

Drought level

Moderate

Severe

Extreme

Exceptional

Planned

data centers

809 total

6%

517 in areas

classified as

drought-

stricken over

the past year

Operational

data centers

601 total

21%

392

8%

8%

30%

30%

6%

22%

19%

Abnormally dry

13%

17%

No drought

22%

Drought level

Moderate

Severe

Extreme

Exceptional

Planned data centers

809 total

6%

517 in areas classified as

drought-stricken over

the past year

Operational data centers

601 total

21%

392

8%

8%

30%

30%

6%

22%

19%

Abnormally dry

13%

17%

No drought

22%

Drought level

Moderate

Severe

Extreme

Exceptional

Guardian graphic. Sources: Data center locations and status from Cleanview as of 18 May 2026. Notes: Drought levels defined using Noaa’s National Integrated Drought Information System from 17 May 2026. Percentages do not add to 100% due to rounding.