AI Policy & Regulation
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Meta's data center linked to water contamination in Cheyenne, Wyoming
Jul 10, 2026
AI Summary
Officials in Cheyenne, Wyoming, have identified a rare bacterium in the town's recycled water system, attributing its presence to construction activities at Meta's 715,000-square-foot data center. The contamination has led to the suspension of the city's reclaimed water irrigation program and raised concerns about environmental impacts from data center operations.
- Cheyenne officials reported contamination of the recycled water system with Cupriavidus gilardii, a rare bacterium linked to Meta's data center construction.
- The bacterium was found during routine testing in February and did not enter the drinking water supply.
- The Board of Public Utilities (BOPU) suspended the city's reclaimed water irrigation program and revoked Meta's discharge privileges.
- BOPU classified the incident as significant non-compliance with federal pretreatment regulations and initiated remediation efforts.
- Meta's contractor, Fortis, is conducting tests and has ceased discharging industrial wastewater.
- The data center, announced in July 2024, represents an $800 million investment and is expected to create over 1,000 construction jobs.
- Concerns about environmental impacts from data centers are growing, with a Gallup poll indicating significant public opposition to their construction due to pollution and resource usage.
- Meta has committed to supporting local water restoration and energy grid improvements in Cheyenne.
data centerwater contaminationpolicy changeenvironmental impactpublic utilities