A Bitcoin mining data center in El Reno, Oklahoma, has been condemned after a fault in a private water line resulted in the loss of around 3.8 million gallons of water and caused disruption for residents.
The leak was traced to a privately owned fire hydrant at a facility operated by Athlon Blockchain Technology Corporation (Athlon BT). The resulting drop in water pressure forced the city to temporarily suspend water service in some areas, while local schools were closed for two days.
El Reno, Oklahoma – katsrcool/Wikimedia Commons
Following the leak, the city condemned the property and issued a public nuisance abatement notice. Athlon BT will not be permitted to restart operations until the outstanding code violations have been addressed.
City officials said the site had been operating without a final certificate of occupancy and was subject to a stop-work order issued in 2023.
