MOJAVE, Calif. (AP) — More aquifers in the Southern California
desert contained high levels of arsenic, boron, fluoride and
other naturally occurring elements compared with the rest of the
state, a study released Wednesday found. Federal scientists only
looked at the presence of contaminants in raw, untreated
groundwater and did not analyze tap water. Water agencies
typically treat groundwater supplies to make drinking water and
to comply with health standards. Trace elements were found in
high concentrations in 35 percent of groundwater used for public
supply in the desert, compared with 10 to 25 percent elsewhere
in the state. One reason is that groundwater pumped from the
desert tends to be older than groundwater pumped from other
parts of the state, allowing more time for it to mix with
elements found naturally in rocks and soil. The study was
conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey. Scientists tested
groundwater samples from wells in the desert — including the
Antelope Valley, Coachella Valley, Indian We