El Reno Condemns Bitcoin Mining Site Over Massive Water Leak

The city of El Reno in Oklahoma has condemned a Bitcoin mining site after a massive leak of approximately 3.8 million gallons of water, affecting schools, businesses, and even the county courthouse. The leak occurred despite a stop-work order issued by the city in June 2023, which it never followed up on or attempted to enforce.

The water came from an unpermitted private fire hydrant and suppression line, even as the mining facility remained air-cooled for its operations. City officials say they spent two days hunting for water that was pouring into the ground at an alarming rate before tracing the source to a concealed fire hydrant on the grounds of the mining site.

The city has issued a ten-day abatement notice and scheduled an administrative hearing for September 14, 2026. The property owner, Athlon BT, a company running data centers for AI storage and Bitcoin mining, has been accused of violating several city ordinances, including electrical and construction codes.