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Oregon Rancher Links Water Toxins to Amazon Data Center

11/30/2025

30 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

In Oregon, rancher Jim Doherty says residents have medical conditions he attributes to toxins in water contaminated by nitrates.
His survey of 70 wells found 68 exceeded federal nitrate limits.
The Amazon data center, which began in 2011, is accused of exacerbating the problem by adding millions of gallons of wastewater to the aquifer.
Amazon maintains its water usage is minimal and does not contribute to nitrate levels.

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Story summary

In Oregon, rancher Jim Doherty says residents have medical conditions he attributes to toxins in water contaminated by nitrates.
His survey of 70 wells found 68 exceeded federal nitrate limits.
The Amazon data center, which began in 2011, is accused of exacerbating the problem by adding millions of gallons of wastewater to the aquifer.
Amazon maintains its water usage is minimal and does not contribute to nitrate levels.