Meta Builds AI Center the Size of 70 Football Fields. Residents Near Similar Facility Say They’re ‘Scared to Drink Our Own Water’

Meta Constructs Large AI Data Centre Amid Concerns for Local Residents

As Meta announces the construction of a massive AI data center in rural Louisiana, residents near a similar facility in Georgia raise alarming issues about the potential impact on their everyday lives. Beverly Morris, a local resident near Meta’s data center in Georgia, has expressed fears about the quality of their water supply after the company initiated construction of a similar facility in 2018. The concerns highlight a common trend where tech companies expand into new areas with minimal regulations, leaving local communities to bear the brunt of resource depletion and environmental challenges.

In a rural Louisiana community with a population of 20,000, Meta is in the process of building a colossal 4-million-square-foot AI data center. Meanwhile, residents near the Georgia facility have reported issues with their water supply since the construction of a $750 million data center began in 2018. The New York Times revealed that the Morris family, residing near the Georgia facility, experienced various water-related problems soon after Meta commenced construction. Appliances malfunctioned, and sediment buildup affected the water quality, leading to ongoing challenges for the family.

The impact of the data center extends beyond the Morris family, with other residents noticing changes in their well water quality. Chris Wilson, a neighboring resident, has faced water pressure issues and increased maintenance due to poor water quality since the facility’s construction. The consumption of a significant amount of water by the 2.5-million-square-foot data center poses concerns for the local water supply. The facility’s extensive daily water usage for cooling computer servers could potentially strain resources and lead to rationing if infrastructure upgrades are not implemented.

In December 2024, Meta announced the construction of a $10 billion data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana, which is equivalent in size to 70 football fields. The ambitious project is expected to create hundreds of new jobs and indirect employment opportunities, contributing to the state’s tech sector expansion. Despite the promises of economic benefits and job creation, criticism has arisen over the environmental and social implications of hosting such a massive data center.

Public concerns have been raised about the impact on local energy resources and potential cost burdens for residents. Critics have highlighted the lack of transparency surrounding Meta’s energy consumption, job creation commitments, and the long-term sustainability of the project. The rushed approval process for the installation of natural gas turbines in Louisiana raised protests from environmental advocates and residents wary of energy cost hikes and water shortages.

Meta’s investment in local infrastructure improvements and job creation initiatives aims to position the data center as a catalyst for economic growth in the region. However, the company’s nondisclosure agreements and exemption from certain taxes have sparked debates about corporate accountability and community investment. The potential risks associated with the long-term operation of the data center, including abandonment concerns and financial burdens on residents, underscore the need for thorough regulatory oversight and community engagement.

As Meta’s ambitious expansion plans unfold, the balance between economic development and environmental stewardship remains a pressing issue for local communities and regulatory authorities. The impact of large-scale data centers on water resources, energy consumption, and community well-being requires proactive measures to ensure sustainable growth and equitable outcomes for all stakeholders. With ongoing discussions about the role of tech companies in shaping local economies and environments, the need for transparent communication and collaborative decision-making becomes paramount to address complex challenges effectively.