Meta's data center wastewater discharge halted over contamination concerns in Cheyenne

Contamination Discovery

The Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities ceased acceptance of industrial wastewater from fill-and-flush operations after Cupriavidus gilardii, a metal-resistant bacterium, was traced back to Goat Systems LLC, Meta's contractor. This bacterium interfered with the city's reclaimed water systems, prompting significant noncompliance issues.

Impact on Water Reclamation Systems

The presence of this bacterium disrupted the operation of two water reclamation plants, forcing the city to take its reuse systems offline for extensive cleaning over several months. The flush water from closed-loop cooling systems is a potential vector for contamination, raising concerns about the implications for public health.

Implications for Data Centers

The scandal highlights potential hazards associated with closed-loop cooling systems used in data centers, which are touted as water-efficient alternatives. The Board noted that these systems can also discharge chemicals like glycol, challenging municipal treatment capabilities.

Risk to Public Health

While Cupriavidus gilardii is not a regulated contaminant, its discovery raised alarms about the risks of aerosolization during irrigation practices involving reclaimed water, which is used on parks and golf courses in Cheyenne. The findings could result in future regulatory changes concerning data center operations and their environmental impact.