Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 12th February 2026 Issue no. 1197
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AI's thirst for water: a looming crisis for the cleaning industry
"The explosive growth of artificial intelligence data centres is about to hit the professional cleaning industry with a potential water scarcity crisis that few saw coming just two or three years ago," warns Klaus Reichardt, CEO and founder of Waterless no-flush urinals.
"The industry hasn't felt the squeeze yet because most of these data centres are still on the drawing board or under construction, but that's about to change - and fast."
The numbers are staggering, reports Klaus. A single data centre 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.
Texas, Utah, Arizona and California face the most immediate impact, in the US, he notes. "But make no mistake, this is a national problem. Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, and Indiana alone have nearly 600 data centres either planned or already operational."
Robert Kravitz (pictured), a veteran building service contractor, identifies the industry's biggest water users as:
* 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," he adds. "Workers over-diluting chemicals, excessive bucket refills, taps left running in janitorial closets. These seemingly minor habits compound into massive water consumption."
Both experts emphasise that the 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 optimise dilution and recycle water
* Switch to microfibre: These cleaning cloths and mopheads 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
According to Klaus:
"This last point is critical. Green cleaning was the industry's rallying cry 20 years ago. Today, it's water efficiency - the long-term reduction in water consumption."
15th January 2026