Amazon has announced several new initiatives aimed at conserving and replenishing water resources in various regions where it operates. The company’s latest project focuses on the Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer, which supplies water to about 7 million acres of farmland across multiple states. Since the 1970s, this aquifer has seen a significant decline in water levels due to land use changes, agriculture, and climate variability.
To address this issue, Amazon is collaborating with Arable and Mississippi State University to implement advanced irrigation efficiency solutions. The initiative is expected to reduce agricultural water withdrawals by 150 million gallons annually—enough for over 1,600 households in Mississippi each year.
“Water sustainability requires innovative thinking and collaborative approaches,” said Brandon Oyer, director of energy and water for AWS. “By helping farmers adopt precision irrigation technology, we’re not only preserving a critical water resource, but also supporting the agricultural economy that depends on it.”
The program provides farmers with Arable Mark 3 sensors powered by AWS AI technology. These devices analyze real-time data on soil moisture, weather conditions, and crop needs using machine learning algorithms to deliver irrigation recommendations through a mobile app.
“This AI-enabled technology transforms how farmers interact with their land and water resources,” said Jim Ethington, chief executive officer of Arable. “By providing data-driven insights directly to farmers’ phones, we’re empowering them to make more precise water decisions.”
Earlier this year on World Environment Day, Amazon announced its first water replenishment project in the Yamuna River watershed near New Delhi. This project aims to replenish more than 400 million liters of water annually once finished by rehabilitating existing infrastructure and building new structures such as percolation pits and recharge shafts.
At the inaugural Amazon Water Dialogues event in New Delhi—which brought together policymakers and environmental experts—Abhinav Singh, vice president of operations for Amazon India and Australia stated: “Our country faces critical water challenges, with groundwater levels in New Delhi declining at an alarming rate. This approach aims to capture monsoon runoff and replenish critical aquifers while empowering local communities as stewards of these vital resources.”
Dr. Sasmit Patra, Member of Parliament, commented: “The inaugural Water Dialogues marks an important step in advancing collaboration around India’s pressing water challenges. Amazon’s funding of its first water replenishment project in the Yamuna River watershed is a commendable contribution that reflects growing recognition of water stewardship as a shared responsibility.”
Amazon Web Services (AWS) also began work on a $4 million stormwater management project outside Katrineholm, Sweden. This effort will upgrade local stormwater infrastructure and create wetlands intended to reduce flooding risks and improve lake quality when completed in 2026.
Clare Biddle from AWS said: “This groundbreaking represents more than just a water management solution—it’s about creating lasting environmental benefits for the Katrineholm community. By supporting natural infrastructure that helps manage stormwater while creating new habitats, we’re demonstrating our commitment to being a good neighbor and responsible water steward.”
In addition to international projects, Amazon plans to expand its use of recycled water at more than 120 U.S. sites by 2030—a move expected to preserve over 530 million gallons of drinking-water supply each year through increased recycling efforts at data centers nationwide.
Kevin Miller from AWS remarked: “We are deeply committed to being good members of our communities, and doubling down on preserving freshwater resources is one of the ways we can demonstrate that. By significantly expanding our recycled-water infrastructure, we’re aiming to advance technological innovation while still prioritizing environmental stewardship.”
AWS was among the first data center operators approved by Virginia authorities for using recycled water with direct evaporative cooling systems—a practice that can use up to 85% less water compared with conventional methods.
In Oregon’s Umatilla River basin region—where rivers sustain both communities and wildlife—Amazon has launched its first local replenishment initiative via a voluntary program compensating landowners who leave more flow in Birch Creek rather than diverting it for other uses.
Will Hewes from Amazon said: “At Amazon, we aim to be a good water steward everywhere we operate. We deeply appreciate what water resource availability and wildlife conservation mean to the eastern Oregon community. By investing in local water resources, we’re not just helping to restore crucial habitats; we’re contributing to the overall health and wellbeing of the families who live there.”
Globally Amazon has set goals such as becoming “water positive” across all AWS data centers by 2030—which means returning more fresh or clean usable freshwater than it withdraws—and replenishing more than it uses across Indian operations by 2027.
The company reports having implemented various conservation measures including scaled harvesting solutions at fulfillment centers worldwide; leak detection programs saving hundreds of millions of liters; installing Boss Defrost systems at Whole Foods Market stores leading up to an average store-wide decrease in usage; adopting direct evaporative cooling at many AWS data centers; reusing rainwater at corporate offices like HQ2 Arlington; modernizing infrastructure projects abroad; partnering with organizations such as Water.org or WaterAid; plus launching educational outreach through events like Water Dialogues.
Amazon estimates that once all ongoing projects are complete—including recent ones launched in Spain—they will return over eight billion liters annually worldwide through improved access or quality upgrades benefitting both people living near operational regions as well as those facing acute scarcity elsewhere.
