Apple Inc.

Apple Inc. is a U.S.-based technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California. The company designs consumer electronics, software, digital services, and data center systems. Due to its reliance on global suppliers, corporate campuses, and data centers, water use is a critical consideration across both Apple's own facilities and its manufacturing supply chain.

Apple implemented low-water facilities in data center designs. In 2024, these design choices resulted in the avoidance of 161 million gallons of freshwater use across corporate offices and data centers through systems such as wastewater reuse, condensate recovery, stormwater capture, recycled water, air-cooled chillers, and alternative water treatment. Although this list of methods may seem complex, the outcome is straightforward: reduced freshwater consumption.

The Austin, Texas campus provides the most prominent example. Apple achieved net-zero water use for cooling by integrating onsite wastewater reuse, condensate recovery, and stormwater capture. This system conserves up to 60 million gallons of freshwater annually and saves 28 million kilowatt-hours of energy each year. This approach demonstrates that water and energy efficiency can be addressed simultaneously, rather than as isolated building challenges.

Apple has also implemented low-water design principles in its data centers. At the Waukee, Iowa data center, the company prioritized high-efficiency air-cooled chillers over water-cooled systems. Additionally, the site is undertaking a 221-acre onsite wetland and native prairie pothole restoration project, capturing stormwater, recharging groundwater, improving local water quality, and restoring native habitats. The project exemplifies the integration of facility design with watershed restoration.

Apple has also advanced water treatment processes in its data centers. The company piloted plant-based treatment using compostable sphagnum moss at facilities in Reno, Nevada; Maiden, North Carolina; and Mesa, Arizona. The objective was to eliminate the need for toxic biocides and corrosion inhibitors while maintaining water quality. Although less visible, this initiative is significant because chemical treatment influences both water reuse and discharge quality.

Another technical advancement is Apple's resin water treatment system. The pilot project reduced server cooling makeup water use by 30% and decreased total wastewater discharge by up to 60%. Following these results, Apple began implementing the system at its data centers in Prineville, Oregon, and Mesa, Arizona. While the modification may appear minor, it has a substantial operational impact: less water is required for cooling, and less wastewater is generated.

Apple has expanded its supply chain water initiatives. In 2024, suppliers in the Supplier Clean Water Program saved 14 billion gallons of freshwater, bringing the total savings since 2013 to over 90 billion gallons. More than 250 supplier facilities achieved an average water reuse rate of 42%. Apple also introduced a green anodizing process for MacBook production, reducing water use by 75% and chemical use by approximately 90%. By collaborating with a vendor, Apple implemented a closed-loop acid recovery and filtration system that separates and recycles sulfuric and phosphoric acids, using modular reverse osmosis systems in anodizing baths. This resulted in a 75% reduction in water use and a 90% reduction in chemical use.

Below are a few projects Apple completed (Project Location & Partner, Strategy & Technical Scope, measured / Expected Water Benefit):

Verde River, Arizona (The Nature Conservancy) — Installing a canal piping project at Verde Ditch to restore vital upstream flows. 3 billion gallons total benefits in 2025.

Northern California Central Valley (The Nature Conservancy) — Partnering with a commercial tomato grower to test late-irrigation post-harvest watering methods to benefit migratory bird habitats and recharge groundwater. 58 million gallons of water benefits realized in 2024.

Truckee River Basin, Nevada (Truckee Meadows Water Authority) — Funding a "Portland Loo" in Reno City Plaza to provide public sanitation, mitigating bacterial and nutrient river pollution. 70 million gallons in 2024 (expected total of 468 million gallons through 2030).

Chesapeake Bay Watershed (Ducks Unlimited) — Converting degraded agricultural land back into natural wetlands to capture excess agricultural nutrient loading (nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment). 266 million gallons in total water benefits.

Southern California (Council for Watershed Health) — Eradicating the highly invasive, water-intensive Arundo donax cane species near its Culver City campus. 13 million gallons in 2024 (350 million gallons over the project's lifetime).