Four Georgia families sue Meta, claim data center contaminated well water

Four Georgia families have filed a lawsuit against Meta, claiming construction of the company's Stanton Springs Data Center in Newton County contaminated their well water and damaged their homes. The families say they began noticing sediment-filled water after construction started next door. They claim the murky water has clogged plumbing, reduced water pressure and destroyed appliances, including washing machines and dishwashers. Some families say they are now hauling water for everyday use and for their animals. According to the lawsuit, blasting, excavation and land clearing associated with the data center disturbed the groundwater system and allowed sediment to enter the aquifer that supplies nearby wells. The lawsuit spans more than 180 pages and alleges significant impacts to private property and water quality. Meta disputes those claims. The company says independent consultants determined the data center is not likely responsible for the problems. Meta says groundwater flows away from the affected homes, not toward them, and that the data center uses water supplied by local utilities rather than groundwater wells. The company argues factors such as well age and maintenance may explain the issues. The dispute comes as lawmakers, including Ro Khanna, call for increased oversight of rapidly expanding data center developments. In this report: Why four Georgia families are suing Meta What homeowners say is happening to their water The evidence presented in the lawsuit Meta's response to the allegations Growing concerns about data center impacts on communities SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/user/channel2actionnews?app=desktop\&sub\_confirmation=1 ABOUT WSB-TV CHANNEL 2 ACTION NEWS: WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News is your home for breaking news, live video, traffic, weather, and your guide to everything local for Atlanta and North Georgia. CONNECT WITH WSB-TV: Visit the WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News WEBSITE: https://www.wsbtv.com Like WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/wsbtv Follow WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/wsbtv Follow WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/wsbtv #Meta #DataCenter #NewtonCounty #WellWater #Groundwater #GeorgiaNews #RoKhanna #WaterContamination #TechnologyNews #WSBTV