What is causing high nitrate levels in Morrow County, Oregon?

High nitrate levels are attributed to a combination of agricultural runoff, sandy soil, and the water usage of Amazon data centers, which recirculate water used for cooling.

How are Amazon data centers impacting Oregon's water quality?

Amazon's significant water withdrawal from the Lower Umatilla Basin aquifer and subsequent wastewater management are accused of exacerbating nitrate contamination.

What are the health effects of high nitrates in Morrow County?

Residents are experiencing increased rates of rare cancers and miscarriages, which experts link to the contaminated drinking water.

Home / Environment / Amazon Data Centers Linked to Oregon Water Crisis

Amazon Data Centers Linked to Oregon Water Crisis

1 Dec

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Summary

Nitrate levels in Oregon water are 10x state and 7x federal limits.
Amazon's water use is accused of worsening drinking water contamination.
High nitrates are linked to increased cancer and miscarriage rates.

Amazon Data Centers Linked to Oregon Water Crisis

Morrow County, Oregon, grappling with a severe drinking water contamination issue, has seen alarming concentrations of nitrates in its local aquifer. Experts suggest that the presence of Amazon data centers has accelerated this problem, despite the company's claims to the contrary. The aquifer, crucial for the region's drinking water, now shows nitrate levels up to ten times the state limit and seven times the federal limit.

The contamination is attributed to a combination of factors, including agricultural runoff and the significant water consumption by Amazon's data centers. The facilities draw millions of gallons from the aquifer annually for cooling, with wastewater then directed to agricultural systems. This process, combined with porous soil, allegedly pushes more nitrates into the groundwater, which is then recirculated by Amazon for cooling.