Abstract
Industry/academic data on semiconductor water use per 300mm wafer (via TSMC sustainability search synthesis & ScienceDirect LCA literature). Fetched by the auto-model research pass; the figures below are cited from this source in the model's flow, idiot-index, energetic-index, and market tabs.
Key facts
- IC fabrication on a 300mm wafer requires ~2,200 gallons (~8.3 m3) of water total
- Of which ~1,500 gallons (~5.7 m3) is ultrapure water (UPW)
- Producing 1,000 gal UPW needs ~1,600 gal municipal water
- Semiconductor water use projected to ~double by 2035
Reviewer note
Real source gathered during the extend-silicon-stack research pass (2026-06-21). Figures attributed to it in the model link back here.