Potent solvents and acids are used to chemically cut transistors into the chunks of solidified sand. Thousands of gallons of chilled, ultrapure water go into rinsing off the chemicals. Keeping that water cold is a major electricity drain. Much of the work is done in supersterile rooms to prevent even microscopic contaminants from tainting the chips. We live in a land of draughts.
Greens are worried about the growing global scarcity of fresh water.
The creation of circuit boards demands smaller but still sizable quantities of water as well. On average, 51.2 gallons of water go into making one square foot of circuit board, according to a 1997 report by the Environmental Protection Agency's Design for the Environment program. In Silicon Valley the industry's liquid needs translate into millions of gallons daily. Some experts say the industry is improving its practices. Some are very aggressive in using the leading-edge technologies.