Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, popularly called AOC, pushed for a federal investigation into the environmental impact of data centers, after residents near Meta Platforms, Inc.’s facility in Georgia reported discoloured well water, declining water pressure, and appliance damage.
AOC questioned the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) assistant administrator for water, Jess Kramer, in a congressional hearing, on whether the organisation received any complaints regarding data center construction and drinking water quality. She then highlighted complaints from residents of Morgan County in Georgia, near a Meta data center project.
She said that heavy construction activity, such as land clearing and blasting, led to worsening well water conditions in residential areas.
The Democrat displayed jars of muddy brown water and said families in the region were currently using bottled water for daily activities like cooking and bathing.
She later shared the video of her speech on X, with the caption, “This is what drinking water in Georgia looks like after Meta began data center construction in the community. Today I called for EPA and Congressional investigations into the impact of data center construction on local drinking water supplies. We cannot take water for granted.”
EPA to review complaints
Kramer acknowledged the EPA was aware of general concerns related to water availability due to the expansion of data center projects, but said specific complaints regarding its quality were not brought to her attention.
“As soon as I get back to the office, I will be looking into exactly what you’ve just talked about,” she said during the hearing.
Kramer also added that ensuring the EPA water quality standards are met would continue to be a priority for the agency.
However, she did not confirm whether Meta’s project indeed caused the issue.
Meta has not yet responded to the accusations.
There has been growing scrutiny over the AI boom in recent years, particularly regarding its impact on the environment. Residents of areas that are major data center hubs are currently coming forward with reports of freshwater crises.
