Can data centers contaminate wells and other water sources? | Fact brief

Data centers can contaminate water sources, including wells, if backup diesel fuel or polluted wastewater from cooling systems escapes containment.

A 2025 Congressional Research Service report says data centers commonly use backup diesel systems with underground fuel storage tanks. Underground storage tank leaks are a common source of groundwater contamination, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

A February 2026 University of California, Berkeley, report says wastewater from data center cooling systems may contain concentrated minerals, chemical additives and other pollutants. Those can contaminate groundwater if discharged improperly. 

Maine lawmakers passed a bill, LD 307, that would bar approvals for new data centers with loads of 20 megawatts or more until Nov. 1, 2027, while a state-appointed council studies their effects on ratepayers, grid reliability and the environment. Gov. Janet Mills vetoed the bill on April 24.