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Indio Residents Warned To Avoid Tainted Tap Water

INDIO (AP) — Residents of a Riverside County neighborhood near Indio are being warned to avoid drinking tap water because it's tainted with high levels of a chemical used in rocket fuel and fireworks.

Health officials say lab results showed elevated levels of perchlorate in water supplied to about 120 homes by the Boe del Heights Mutual Water Co.

Raymond Smith of the county's environmental health department says residents of the unincorporated area have been notified that they should avoid drinking the water or using it for infant formula or food preparation. It is safe for bathing.

The source of the perchlorate isn't known.

Authorities tell the Riverside Press-Enterprise that the water company will decide next week whether to drill a new water well or use supplies from elsewhere to dilute the chemical.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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