The Dangers Data Centers Are Causing to the Environment
A rare bacterium shut down part of a city's recycled water system
A contractor building Meta’s AI data center in Cheyenne, Wyoming, was identified by city officials as the source of wastewater that introduced the rare bacterium Cupriavidus gilardii into the city’s reclaimed water system. The contamination affected recycled irrigation water, not drinking water, but it forced officials to shut down parts of the water reclamation system for months while it was cleaned and disinfected. The contractor’s wastewater discharge privileges were revoked, and the city suspended similar wastewater discharges from data center projects.
Why data centers use so much water
AI servers generate enormous amounts of heat. Like a car engine needing coolant, thousands of computer chips require cooling systems to prevent overheating. Many facilities recycle water through closed-loop systems, but during construction and maintenance, water may still be flushed and treated before disposal. If those processes fail, local infrastructure can be affected.
A growing environmental challenge
The Wyoming incident has renewed broader concerns about AI infrastructure. Researchers and environmental groups warn that expanding data centers can strain water supplies, consume huge amounts of electricity, and place extra pressure on communities, especially in drought-prone regions. Some estimates suggest future U.S. data centers could require water capacity comparable to that used by major cities if current growth continues.
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