Hinkley is a small community located in California, known for its proximity to the Mojave Desert. It gained attention due to the Hinkley groundwater contamination case, where toxic chemicals from a nearby Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) facility polluted the local water supply. The contamination was primarily caused by chromium-6, a harmful substance used in industrial processes. This issue was highlighted in the 2000 film Erin Brockovich, which brought national awareness to the environmental and health impacts faced by the residents of Hinkley. The community has since worked towards remediation and recovery efforts.