Testing finds toxic metals in wastewater discharged by Tesla in Texas

On 2026-04-21, independent testing found traces of hexavalent chromium and arsenic in wastewater discharged by Tesla near Corpus Christi, Texas. The Nueces County Drainage District No. 2 commissioned the test after local officials reported black wastewater in a drainage ditch, and its attorney sent Tesla a cease-and-desist letter asking it to stop discharging until the results are discussed. The article notes the sample was taken from the ditch rather than Tesla’s outfall pipe, so the source of the contaminants was not conclusively established.