Water from Data Centre Full of Bacteria, Contaminating Farmland

The city of Cheyenne, in the state of Wyoming, is experiencing contamination within parts of its recycled water system. A Meta data centre, spanning 66,400 square metres, has been identified as the potential source of the issue.

Bacteria of the species Cupriavidus gilardii were discovered by the Board of Public Utilities (BOPU) at a wastewater treatment facility operated by Goat System LLC, a contractor for Meta’s data centre. The discovery occurred during routine testing last February.

According to reports, the bacteria did not enter the city’s drinking water supply but were found within the irrigation system, as cited by Yahoo Finance on Tuesday (22/09/2026).

This finding has prompted the BOPU to temporarily suspend the city’s recycled water irrigation programme. Furthermore, Meta’s wastewater discharge rights have been halted.

For context, Cupriavidus gilardii is a rare organism typically found naturally in water and soil. Infections from this bacterium are extremely rare.

However, the BOPU stated that if an infection were to occur, it could pose a threat to the elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems.

A spokesperson for Meta stated that the company is supporting Fortis, its primary contractor, in resolving the issue. The company immediately ceased wastewater discharge shortly after the management board announced the bacterial findings.

Fortis has begun conducting its own water testing with third-party environmental specialists. Their results have shown no traces of the bacteria in question.

“Meta is committed to being a good neighbour in Cheyenne, particularly regarding the protection of local water resources, and will encourage cooperation between Fortis and the management board until this matter is resolved,” said the spokesperson.