Microsoft denies Mexico data center linked to water shortages, local illnesses, and power outages — stomach bugs and even hepatitis reported in region as 1.5 Gigawatt AI data center buildout looms

Local residents near a Microsoft data center in Mexico have reported water shortages, power outages, and health issues like stomach bugs and hepatitis, leading to school closures and medical challenges. Microsoft denies any responsibility for these problems, attributing power outages to lightning strikes and stray animals. Despite the complaints, the local director of industrial development downplays concerns, emphasizing the growth potential of data centers in the region. The data center complex in Queretaro is part of an ambitious plan to build over 1.5 gigawatts of new data center infrastructure in Mexico over the next five years.