In June 2026, the Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities in Wyoming reported the identification of a rare bacteria named Cupriavidus gilardii in the city's wastewater. This identification occurred in February 2026, raising concerns about the potential health risks associated with the bacteria, which is known to be drug-resistant and can be fatal. The board traced the source of the bacteria to an industrial user within the wastewater system, although they did not disclose the specific identity of this user at the time. They took immediate action by barring the source from discharging into the wastewater system permanently.
The situation escalated when claims emerged online suggesting a connection between the bacteria and Meta's data center, which is under construction in Cheyenne. Snopes, a fact-checking organization, attempted to verify these claims but could not confirm the link between the bacteria and the data center. The Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities did not provide a clear statement regarding the source of the bacteria, leading to speculation and concern among residents.
Meta, through its representative Francis Brennan, stated that they had not received any evidence linking the bacteria to their data center. In response to the situation, Meta's contractor, Fortis Construction, ceased flushing wastewater into the system and engaged an independent investigator to conduct tests for the bacteria. This proactive measure was taken to ensure public safety and to address the concerns raised by the board and the community.
The presence of Cupriavidus gilardii in the wastewater system has raised alarms due to its potential health implications. The bacteria is naturally occurring and commonly found in soil and groundwater, which complicates efforts to trace its exact origin. The Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities expressed concern that using contaminated wastewater for irrigation could aerosolize the bacteria, increasing the risk of infections among the public. As the situation develops, the board has promised to release a detailed statement by July 19, 2026, to provide further clarity on the matter.
