Even though evaporative cooling is increasingly being adopted to cool large industrial spaces and data centres, there are several misconceptions when it comes to its water usage.
Evaporative cooling is a process that cools air using evaporation. There are different types of evaporative cooling systems – pad-based cooling and misting systems.
With pad-based systems, a motor-driven fan draws warm air over wetted filter pads which are kept moist via a water pump. This water evaporates into the air, removing heat with it. The energy used to transfer water from liquid form to gas creates the cooling effect.
Whereas misting systems spray water into the air which then evaporates and reduces the temperature of the air. They are usually used in industrial spaces with existing ventilation fans, or for data centres in hot climates.
Now the principles of evaporative cooling have been outlined, let’s address the water usage myths to support informed decision-making.
Myth – Data Centres Consume Significant Amounts of Water
Reality – Although water is required for evaporative cooling, our pads are 90% efficient and our inbuilt control system means that the water drainage can be altered depending on the location, reducing waste. A report by techUK highlighted that 64% of England’s data centres use less than 10,000m³ of water per year, less than a typical leisure centre.
While water is used in evaporative cooling, it’s relative to the energy used to run traditional air conditioning units. However, this largely depends on the evaporative cooling system used. While pad-based systems are water efficient, misting systems are slightly more difficult to control so use larger amounts of water, especially in hot climates.
Myth – The Water in Evaporative Cooling Systems Can’t be Reused
Reality – In pad-based systems, the water can be partially recirculated; however, the majority is lost due to evaporation. Any remaining water should be drained and replaced with fresh water to prevent high concentrations of mineral build-up.
Good water management is extremely important to reduce the chances of scaling and hygiene issues. EcoCooling’s patented water use process is designed in line with L8 Legionella compliance standards so all coolers are fitted with auto-drain level probes.
There are ways that the remaining water can be repurposed for non-potable uses, to maximise its uses. This includes irrigation or toilet flushing in the facilities. Misting systems however, do not have the ability to recirculate water that is not evaporated.
Myth – Evaporative Cooling is Unsuitable For Water-Conscious Environments
Reality – Advanced design has significantly improved water efficiency in certain evaporative cooling systems. Features such as automated bleed control and holistic temperature control enable better water management.
This allows pad-based evaporative cooling systems to operate effectively within strict environmental and regulatory frameworks. For water-conscious environments, misting systems may not be as suitable as they can be harder to control.
Myth – Water Consumption is Difficult to Predict and Control
Reality – Evaporative cooling technology has developed over time with intelligent control systems that continuously respond to ambient temperature, humidity and cooling demand.
However, often a ventilation system is the best way to cool the facility. This can be used alongside evaporative cooling, which is only turned on when the temperature exceeds the setpoint (recommended by the ASHRAE). Being smart with these setpoints and ensuring your centre is running at the highest possible temperature when it is hot can significantly reduce the amount of water usage.
Myth – Evaporative Cooling Leads to High Operational Costs Due to Water Usage
Reality – Overall, water typically represents a significantly lower operational expense than electricity. With the reduced energy demand of evaporative systems compared to air conditioning, running costs are substantially lower.
This cooling method is a natural, environmentally friendly alternative that consumes less than 10% of the energy, while reducing operational costs by up to 90%.
When cooling data centres, especially the new high-density types, the evaporative cooling required can use significant amounts of water. However, when considered in the context of total environmental impact, evaporative cooling provides an efficient and responsible alternative to conventional systems. For organisations looking to balance performance with sustainability efforts, evaporative cooling offers a solution that is cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
At EcoCooling, our cooling systems are a safe, natural alternative to traditional cooling such as refrigeration or air conditioning. Our products are designed to be applied in a variety of settings to meet your cooling requirements across all environments.
- Published March 31, 2026
- Share
Emma Beresford
Director at EcoCooling.
Driving the development of sustainable cooling solutions.
An experienced sales and marketing manager, working with SMEs to successfully develop and execute growth strategies. Key achievements have been in the identification and entry strategy for new markets via alignment and reapplication of existing IP/technology to new products and services.
