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Residents in Boardman, Oregon, have raised concerns that nearby data centers are worsening nitrate contamination in their groundwater, impacting public health. Kathy Mendoza, a local resident suffering from an autoimmune disease, is part of a class-action lawsuit against agribusiness and Amazon, alleging that wastewater from Amazon's Morrow County facility has contributed to this contamination.

Nitrates are linked to serious health issues, including cancer and respiratory problems. As the U.S. invests in large-scale data centers for AI, these facilities consume significant water and energy, leading to rising costs and environmental concerns.

Reports indicate that electricity bills have increased in areas with data centers, with projections of substantial health impacts and costs associated with pollution. Despite Amazon's claims that it uses minimal local water and that nitrate issues predate its operations, local residents are demanding accountability and improved water safety measures.