Morrow County, Oregon, is noted for its large agricultural operations and food processing facilities, alongside several Amazon data centers. Experts are now raising concerns about a significant increase in nitrate levels in the local drinking water, which may be contributing to higher rates of cancer and miscarriage in the region.
A report indicates that while Amazon does not utilize hazardous nitrates for cooling, its operations may be impacting the Lower Umatilla Basin aquifer, a key water source for residents. A combination of insufficient wastewater management, sandy soil, and physical interactions has led to elevated nitrate levels in some wells, with concentrations reaching 73 parts per million (ppm)—ten times the Oregon state standard and seven times the federal threshold.
As stated in the report, Amazon’s data centers extract large volumes of water from this aquifer for cooling purposes. The used water is then directed to local wastewater systems, which can lead to the application of nitrate-laden wastewater on nearby farms. Due to the area’s porous soil, nitrates can quickly enter the aquifer. Additionally, when the reclaimed water moves through the data centers, some of it evaporates while the nitrates remain, potentially increasing the concentration of contaminants before the water re-enters the wastewater system.
Amazon has disputed claims regarding their impact on water quality. A spokesperson characterized such narratives as misleading and emphasized that their water usage represents only a minimal portion of the overall system’s water. However, they acknowledged that groundwater issues existed prior to their establishment in the area. This raises questions about the company’s awareness of existing water challenges and necessitates further exploration into their mitigation efforts.
The increase in nitrate levels has been associated with a rise in health issues in the community, and responses to tackle water safety have been perceived as limited. The socioeconomic context, where 40 percent of residents are below the poverty line, has drawn parallels to the Flint, Michigan water crisis. The complexity of the situation highlights ongoing challenges for affected residents in addressing water quality concerns.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/834151/amazon-data-centers-oregon-cancer-miscarriage