Big tech and climate change are transforming how and where people live and work. Artificial Intelligence, the internet and the search for climate-friendly fuels are moving at the speed of imagination. It may be uncertain how developments in those fields will actually change our lives, communities, and the world, but this much is certain: (1) They are going to be water dependent and (2) the laws and governance systems that regulate water are not ready to deal with the demands of these sectors. The technical and engineering aspects of making these activities more water-friendly are getting increased attention, but too little has been given to the legal implications of major new water users locating in already water-stressed areas. That needs to change if the hoped-for benefits of these innovations are to be realized and the worst of their impacts are to be avoided.
