Bitcoin mining site tied to 3-million-gallon El Reno leak

EL RENO — El Reno city officials said a fire hydrant on a private water line was responsible for a major water leak, which cost residents about three million gallons of water. Canadian County Oklahoma Assessor’s Office records show the property is owned by a technology company called Athlon BT, which specializes in data centers for AI storage and Bitcoin mining.

“Although the source of the water loss has been isolated, it will take time for pressure to rebuild throughout the system and for normal water service to be restored,” city officials said in a press release. “Residents and businesses in affected areas may continue to experience low water pressure as the system recovers.”

The water leak put significant strain on city residents last week. In an attempt to restore water pressure levels, city officials temporarily shut off water to customers living south of I-40 and west of Highway 81. El Reno Public Schools canceled classes on Wednesday and Thursday to ensure students’ safety.

According to reporting from KOCO, city documents revealed the property had “several fire and safety hazards, including dangerous structures, drainage issues, expired building permits, and the lack of a final certificate of occupancy.”