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According to LA Now, Barstow residents were warned on Friday not to drink local tap water, as recent tests show it may be contaminated with high levels of perchlorate, "an inorganic chemical found in rocket propellant, fireworks, explosives, flares, matches and industrial byproducts," that, "interferes with the human thyroid gland, affecting hormones as well as prenatal growth during pregnancies."Golden State Water Co. learned of the possible contamination on Thursday when they were notified by the Barstow Marine Corps Logistics Base Nebo (about five miles southeast of Barstow) about high levels of perchlorate in the base’s water system.
As Golden State investigates the contamination, customers in Barstow and surrounding areas are advised not to drink the water, and not to use it to make ice or other beverages. Customers were also warned that "boiling, freezing, filtering or letting water stand does not make it any safer," and terrifyingly, "boiling water can actually increase the concentration of perchlorate," causing it to become even more toxic.
The water, according to a statement, however, may be safely used for non-drinking purposes. Sure...
According to the agency's statement, the chemical “usually gets into drinking water as a result of environmental contamination from historic aerospace or other industrial operations that used or use, store, or dispose of perchlorate and its salts,” reports LA Now.
Update 4:10 p.m.: Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger hasdeclared a state of emergency for San Bernardino County leaving more than 40,000 customers without drinking water, reports KTLA.