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Back to Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Press Play with Madeleine Brand

California’s drought worsens due to people stealing water to grow illegal weed

As the West Coast drought worsens, water is becoming a scarce and valuable resource, as well as a tempting target for thieves , especially those running illegal marijuana farms.

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By Madeleine Brand • Jul 21, 2021 • 7m Listen

As the West Coast drought worsens, water is becoming a scarce and valuable resource, as well as a tempting target for thieves, especially those running illegal marijuana farms. They’re stealing water by tapping into fire hydrants, backing water pumps into lakes and rivers, and even creating their own systems of dams and pipelines.

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    Madeleine Brand

    Host, 'Press Play'

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    Sarah Sweeney

    Vice President of Talk Programming, KCRW

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    Julie Cart

    projects and environment reporter for CalMatters

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