Oklahoma Bitcoin Mine Shut Down After 3.8 Million Gallon Water Leak

A Bitcoin mining data center in El Reno, Oklahoma, has been condemned after a major water leak. The facility, operated by Athlon Blockchain Technology Corporation (Athlon BT), lost around 3.8 million gallons of water due to a fault in a private water line connected to a fire hydrant on the property.

The resulting drop in water pressure forced the city to temporarily suspend water service in some areas and closed local schools for two days. City officials condemned the property, issued a public nuisance abatement notice, and said Athlon BT will not be permitted to restart operations until outstanding code violations have been addressed.

The site had been operating without a final certificate of occupancy since 2021 and was subject to a stop-work order in June 2023 due to fire and life-safety code violations. The property is owned by Athlon BT, which describes itself as a developer of mobile data centers for AI and Bitcoin mining.

The city has said none of the costs associated with the leak will be passed on to residents, but Athlon BT will be billed for lost water, overtime, equipment, and other expenses. A hearing concerning the property is scheduled for September 14, and no criminal charges have been filed at this time.