Kirk here. “TSMC estimates that its two wafer fabs in Kumamoto will consume approximately 8 million cubic meters of groundwater daily by 2028, which accounts for about 5% of the region’s current annual groundwater supply.” 5% of the groundwater supply every 4 years or so would suck it dry in about 80 years if if weren’t for recharging. The article says that TSMC will redirect its used/waste “water into fallow fields” so that it can seep into the aquifer (i.e. recharge it) but my guess is that it’s going to be easier to get the water out of the aquifer than it will be to put it back in.
All this reminds me of a deal that was cut in the U.S.:
How a Saudi firm tapped a gusher of water in drought-stricken Arizona https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/07/16/fondomonte-arizona-drought-saudi-farm-water/
Groundwater is a very valuable resource and when it’s gone, it’s gone.
