A private water line serving an Oklahoma data center leaked about three million gallons and disrupted water service across El Reno last week.
Reported on Thursday, city officials traced the leak to a fire hydrant connected to the private line. Canadian County property records identify technology company Athlon BT as the property owner.
Athlon specializes in data centers supporting artificial intelligence storage and Bitcoin mining. However, city officials said the facility may have operated without final occupancy approval.
The leak significantly reduced pressure across El Reno’s water system. Officials temporarily shut off service south of Interstate 40 and west of Highway 81.
Additionally, El Reno Public Schools cancelled classes Wednesday and Thursday because officials could not guarantee adequate water service for students.
Workers eventually isolated the leak, but officials warned residents that restoring normal pressure would take time. Some customers continued experiencing low water pressure while the system recovered.
Meanwhile, city documents identified several previous safety problems at the property. Officials cited dangerous structures, drainage problems, expired building permits and the absence of a final certificate of occupancy.
El Reno issued Athlon a building permit in 2021, according to Interim City Manager Ken W. Brown. Construction subsequently began at the property.
However, the city issued a stop-work order in June 2023 after inspectors identified multiple safety code violations.
Brown said officials believe Athlon continued construction and eventually began operating the facility despite lacking a certificate of occupancy. The city has not yet confirmed that conclusion.
Furthermore, Brown said the incident demonstrated the potential consequences when property owners disregard city orders and building requirements.
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El Reno’s legal team is preparing legal action
The city has not disclosed the financial cost associated with losing approximately three million gallons of water. However, officials said residents will not pay those expenses.
El Reno’s legal team is preparing possible action against the property owner to recover costs associated with the leak.
Additionally, Brown said the city intends to seek reimbursement for municipal resources used to locate and repair the problem.
The incident adds to growing concerns about the resources required to support rapidly expanding data centre development. Communities across North America have pushed back against projects over water consumption, rising electricity demand, noise and limited transparency. Supporters argue the facilities attract investment and digital infrastructure, while opponents question whether local residents bear too many of the costs.
