In the 1966 drought, salt stayed in the aquifer for ten years before it finally was flushed clean. They were seriously drained last year but have since refilled. But we could begin to see problems again if this drought persists. Beyond the taste, salt water can be a serious health hazard for people on salt-restricted diets. Salt causes the human body to retain water, making the heart work harder and increasing blood pressure.
Salt water can also corrode underwater equipment and cause freshwater organisms to move or die off.
As the nation's largest water, earth and biological science and civilian mapping agency the USGS works in cooperation with more than 2000 organizations across the country to provide reliable, impartial, scientific information to resource managers, planners, and other customers. This information is gathered in every state by USGS scientists to minimize the loss of life and property from natural disasters, contribute to sound economic and physical development of the nation's natural resources, and enhance the quality of life by monitoring water, biological, energy, and mineral resources. If you wish to quote from any part of this story, please credit U.S. Geological Survey as the original source.