ChatGPT consumes 500 milliliters of water every time it is asked a series of between 5 to 50 prompts or questions, according to a study by researchers at the University of California, Riverside. 

The wide range varies depending on where its servers are located and the season. The estimate includes indirect water usage that the companies do not measure, such as to cool power plants that supply the data centers with electricity.

OpenAI responded by saying that it was giving 'considerable thought' to the best use of its computing power. 'We recognize training large models can be energy and water-intensive and work to improve efficiencies', it said.

The finding raises questions about the impact of ChatGPT and other large language models on water consumption and local communities. 

It also highlights the reluctance of OpenAI and other developers to disclose their environmental impacts.