(AP) — A major Northern California earthquake that caused an estimated $400 million in damage also unloosed torrents of groundwater that may help ease the region's drought.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported Sunday that the magnitude 6.0 earthquake on Aug. 24 unexpectedly forced groundwater to the surface, filling dry creek beds and parched streams in the region.
Water officials in Vallejo and elsewhere are hopeful they can capture some of the extra water for use. California is experiencing a years-long drought.
Nestlerode said officials are testing the new water to ensure it's safe for public consumption.
He said at least 200,000 gallons of water a day are flowing down Wild Horse. The natural flows were about a tenth of that before the earthquake, Nestlerode added.
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