Huge Aquifers Discovered Deep Under Drought-Stricken California

(Credit: M.Khebra/Shutterstock) In drought-stricken California, a new study finds that there is indeed gold "in them thar hills." The gold here, of course, being none other than fresh water, a resource that may well surpass the shiny yellow metal in terms of value as farmers, corporations and average citizens struggle to absorb the impacts of an historic drought that shows few signs of letting up. A new study by researchers from Stanford University plumbs new depths for hints of useable water and seems to have hit the jackpot. The researchers extended their search to depths of almost two miles beneath the surface and report the presence of large aquifers deep below the ground. That water could come with a price though. California is also home to enticing stores of oil and natural gas, and thousands of wells are currently in operation in the state. Drilling activities directly threaten the health of many of these deep reservoirs, the researchers warn in their paper.