Cheyenne, Wyoming tightens wastewater discharge requirements after officials detect a rare bacterium in the city’s wastewater treatment system and trace the source to work connected with Meta’s new AI data center project. Multiple outlets report that the bacterium, identified as Cupriavidus gilardii, was found earlier this year in treatment operations. In response, Cheyenne’s utilities board changes its wastewater acceptance policy, including stopping or limiting wastewater intake from data center operations. The trigger is described as actions by a contractor working on the Meta project during construction, with reports saying contaminated water containing the bacteria was flushed into public sewers. Meta states it is working with local officials. Several sources emphasize the data center is not yet fully open or operational, but say the construction-related activities associated with the project led to the regulatory response. The outlets also report that authorities say drinking water supplies were not affected. The episode adds to ongoing scrutiny over water use and wastewater handling around large-scale technology projects.