
Hinkley water contamination case
The Hinkley water contamination case involves the town of Hinkley, California, where from the 1950s to the 1980s, a local company, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), dumped hexavalent chromium (a toxic chemical) into the groundwater. This contamination affected drinking water supplies, leading to health concerns among residents, including increased cancer risk. The case gained widespread attention through the movie "Erin Brockovich," highlighting environmental pollution, corporate responsibility, and the importance of groundwater safety. It resulted in legal action, financial settlements, and increased awareness of industrial pollution’s impacts on communities.