Meta data center wastewater in Wyoming found contaminated, sparking broader water-pollution backlash
A routine test revealed that wastewater from Meta's under-construction AI data center in Cheyenne contained the bacterium Cupriavidus gilardii, prompting the city to halt its use and fueling nationwide concerns over data-center water pollution.
During a standard water quality check, Cheyenne authorities discovered the rare bacterium Cupriavidus gilardii in 801,000 gallons of wastewater released by Meta's construction contractor, leading the city to suspend the discharge pending further investigation. Meta disputed the city’s findings, citing one outlet testing that showed no contamination and emphasizing its commitment to protecting local water resources. The episode follows a series of water-related challenges faced by data centers nationwide, including enforcement actions in Virginia, storm-water flooding in West Virginia, and protests against heated-water discharges into Lake Seneca, New York.
Environmental NGOs such as the Waterkeeper Alliance report that most of their campaigns target pollutants like PFAS, heavy metals, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria from data-center effluent. Legal actions are mounting, with groups like Flint Riverkeeper planning lawsuits over alleged metal and sediment releases, while politicians from Wyoming to Georgia demand answers from Meta executives.
Why it matters
Contaminated data-center wastewater raises public-health and environmental risks and highlights regulatory gaps in a rapidly expanding industry.
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