Meta data center linked to water contamination in Morgan County, Georgia
Residents of Morgan County, Georgia reportedly experienced water contamination after Meta constructed a data center nearby, with tap water turning brown and residents relying on bottled water. The EPA committed to investigating the matter after Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez presented brown water samples at a congressional hearing on May 20, 2026.
What happened
After Meta constructed a data center in Morgan County, Georgia, local residents reported their tap water turned brown. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez visited the area and presented brown water samples from local taps during a U.S. House Subcommittee hearing on May 20, 2026.
According to Ocasio-Cortez's office, the community uses ten percent of its daily water supply for the Meta data center and is on track for a total water deficit by 2030. Residents reported decreased water pressure, non-functioning appliances, and water bills expected to increase by 33%.
Reported impact
Families in Morgan County now rely on bottled water to drink and prepare meals. The data center construction involved clear-cutting forests and heavy blasting that residents said degraded local well water quality.
Index analysis
EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Jessica Kramer stated she was aware of complaints about data centers' water usage but said she had not previously heard about their negative impact on water quality. Kramer committed to investigating the issue.
Governance controls
The Trump administration has granted regulatory deference to tech companies seeking to build data centers. In 2026, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin proposed a rule allowing data centers to begin pre-construction activities before receiving final environmental approval.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.