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Illegal marijuana growers steal California’s scarce water - CalMatters

Thieves are stealing California’s scarce water. Where’s it going? Illegal marijuana farms

The vandalized water source where most water thefts occur in Lancaster, on July 2, 2021. The water is pumped into large containers that are sold and bought on the sides of the road. Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters

As drought grips most of California, water thefts have increased to record levels. Thieves tap into hydrants, pump water from rivers and break into remote water stations and tanks.

CalMatters