Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) presented two jars of brown drinking water at a congressional hearing to urge an EPA investigation into Meta's data centers [2].
The presentation highlights growing concerns over how massive tech infrastructure impacts local natural resources and public health in rural communities. By bringing physical evidence to Washington, D.C., the congresswoman aimed to force a federal response to alleged contamination in Morgan County, Georgia [1], [2].
During the hearing on Wednesday, Ocasio-Cortez displayed the water, which was sourced from the area surrounding Meta's data center construction [1], [3]. The congresswoman questioned the safety of the local supply, saying, "Neither one of these things are drinkable, right?" [2].
Ocasio-Cortez called for the Environmental Protection Agency to investigate the environmental impact of the facility on the region's water quality [3]. The move follows reports that the Georgia community is on track for a total water deficit by 2030 [1].
The representative also noted the political landscape of the affected area. Data indicates that Donald Trump won over 70% of the vote in Morgan County [5]. By focusing on a region that leans heavily toward the opposing party, Ocasio-Cortez signaled that water safety is a nonpartisan issue affecting citizens regardless of political affiliation [5].
Meta's data centers require significant amounts of water for cooling purposes, which has led to friction with local residents in several states. The congresswoman said that the physical evidence of brown water proves the necessity of a formal federal probe to ensure the safety of the local population [4].
“"Neither one of these things are drinkable, right?"”
This incident underscores the escalating tension between the rapid expansion of AI and data infrastructure and the sustainability of local utilities. As tech companies build massive data centers to support evolving computing needs, the resulting strain on water tables and potential for pollution create a new frontier for environmental regulation and federal oversight.
