Aug 14, 2026 – 12.01amNew data centres built in Australia will be barred from using large volumes of drinking water to cool their huge computer servers under proposed federal government rules designed to protect water supplies and limit the impact on household bills.The Albanese government proposal, which will be presented to state environment ministers on Friday, will require data centres to prioritise the use of recycled water and pay for new public infrastructure needed to meet their water needs.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles
Labor draws up plan to restrict household water for data centres
The Albanese government has proposed tough rules for how data centres can use Australia’s limited water supplies, including prioritising recycled water use.
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