It's no secret that the so-called "hyperscalers"—Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta, and others—are doing their hyperscaling in the context of the AI revolution. The pace of digital infrastructure buildout is mind-boggling—about $450 billion in 2024 and with no sign of slowing. All of this has implications for the water sector. So I wanted to talk to someone who is a) in the thick of this, and b) has been part of a hyperscaler's water work for some time. Will Hewes is a superb guy, a proper water veteran all the way from his undergrad work, and he took his considerable expertise in infrastructure into running water resources first at AWS, and now across all of Amazon. They have been at the forefront of basin-wide sustainability efforts, and it was so energizing to hear how an "intrapreneur" builds inside a company like Amazon, all the way down to how these individual projects get done. Please enjoy my conversation with Will Hewes. 

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For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fundamental-molecule/id1714287205

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Will Hewes discusses his role in overseeing Amazon's water replenishment, detailing their "Water Positive" strategy which aims to return more water to communities than Amazon uses, particularly in AWS data centers which employ water for energy-efficient cooling. Hewes details the two-pronged approach: internal efficiency improvements (ex. direct evaporative cooling design reducing L/kWh, real-time monitoring, using recycled water), and external replenishment projects. These projects, chosen for local impact and verified credibility, address needs like WASH access or agricultural irrigation efficiency, often catalysing tech adoption.

00:00 - How AI and Data Centers Are Reshaping Water Demand

03:40 - Amazon’s Water Positive Strategy Explained

05:00 - Sustainable Cooling in Data Centers with Water Efficiency

08:45 - Shifting from Potable to Recycled Water Sources

11:49 - How Amazon Builds Global Water Replenishment Projects

13:55 - Partnering with Startups to Scale Smart Irrigation

18:24 - Measuring Impact and Verifying Replenishment Claims

21:55 - The Reality of Corporate Water Risk Assessment

24:45 - Why Hyperscalers Collaborate on Water Stewardship

27:33 - Balancing Growth with High-Quality Sustainability Practices

30:33 - Lessons from Will Hewes’ Career in Water Infrastructure

34:44 - Why Scalable, Fast-Adopting Water Tech Wins

43:21 - Advice for Water Entrepreneurs

Links:

Burnt Island Ventures: https://www.burntislandventures.com/

Will Hewes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-hewes-61947232/

SM Material

Key Takeaways:

"Water is the most fundamental resource. It's about public health, urban planning, and managing wild spaces."

"Water is key to cooling strategies in data centers. It reduces energy use and meets sustainability goals."

"Our Water Positive program commits to returning more water to communities than we use."

"Efficiency and recycled water are cornerstones of our water sustainability strategy."

"Water replenishment projects must respond to local watershed challenges."

"Technology can unlock water security and reduce carbon associated with water treatment."

"Collaborate with partners to implement innovative water solutions that address local needs."