In fact, it is said that rival native tribes would call a truce when they came to Soap Lake to relax and heal themselves and their animals.

This is verified by recorded history and the number of Native American artifacts found in the area over the years.

Soap Lake water also contains ichthyols, an oil-like substance sold over the counter in Europe to treat infections and abrasions.

Because of this, in 2002 the National Science Foundation awarded a grant to researchers from Central Washington University to study the lake to learn about the possibility of life on Mars.

[4] As of 2000[update]:[5] Less than 0.01 mg/L of aluminum, iron, copper, rubidium, lithium, strontium, barium, chromium, lead, manganese, titanium, vanadium, and boron.