Cannabis Cultivation Water Theft

Cannabis Cultivation Water Theft

Water theft is the illegal tapping of a water supply or source and has become an organized, criminal enterprise that jeopardizes municipal, residential, and agricultural water reserves and the environment. This has long been a problem on the West Coast due to the area’s severe heat and droughts. An estimated 12 billion gallons of water have been stolen in California in the past eight years, and illegal cannabis cultivation may be exacerbating this issue.

Droughts, Water Shortages, and Cannabis

Droughts are defined as long periods of dry weather in which typical rainfall does not occur. Droughts are a common global problem and can lead to agricultural damages and water shortages that impact all crops, including cannabis.

Licensed cannabis cultivators must follow strict regulations that can limit them from growing due to varying water availability. In some cases, it is even more profitable for cultivators to sell or lease their water rights since the demand for water is so high.

Despite legalization and increased access to cannabis, illicit cannabis grows can still be found in legal markets. Though droughts and water shortages impact both licensed and illicit cannabis cultivators, black market growers are able to circumvent strict regulations and source water through illegal means.

Cannabis Cultivation Water Thefts

The cannabis growing season peaks in summer just as overall water consumption is at one of its highest points and supply is at one of its lowest. Diverting water during this time can dry out lakes or streams and cause the water table to drop. According to the DEA, illegal grows in Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties require 5.4 million gallons of water a day.

Local newspapers in Southern California have reported people backing water trucks up to rivers and lakes to pump water for personal use or sell to the black market. After one seizure in northern Los Angeles County, law enforcement charged 19 people with water theft and confiscated two water trucks. 

In addition to strains on water supply, illegal water theft can cause environmental harm or damage to the ecosystem. In Humboldt County, law enforcement found almost 100 environmental violations at illicit cannabis cultivation sites in July. Illegal water theft can contribute to the drying up of natural water sources and depletion of wildlife in these areas.

Oregon faces similar challenges as California when it comes to cultivation water theft. It has been reported that offenders tap directly into city fire hydrants and protected waterways. Additionally offenders have dried entire bodies of water in some instances and tapped into the water table. In the Bend area, the water table is dropping at an estimated six inches a year from the drilling of unauthorized wells. 

Solutions

The good news is that illicit cultivation practices do not represent the entire industry. A recent study from UC Berkeley found that licensed growers use less water than previously estimated. According to one estimation, a single large almond farm could use up to 33% more water than all licensed cannabis farmers in Humboldt County.

Cannabis has become one of California’s most efficient agricultural crops, but licensed cultivators can continue to improve their water storage and operating procedures to save water. 

Local and state governments can prevent cultivation water theft by instituting and enforcing penalties and bans. The Governor of California recently signed a new law increasing penalties for water theft to provide a stronger deterrent. In Siskiyou County, CA, officials banned trucks carrying 100 gallons of water or more to roads leading to alleged illegal cannabis operations. 

To prevent water theft from occurring at your residence or business, ensure your property is adequately secured. Video surveillance and alarms can help detect unauthorized access on the property where someone could illegally tap into your water source. Additionally, tracking water usage can ensure that theft is detected immediately.

How Can Sapphire Risk Help?

Tony Gallo and the team at Sapphire Risk Advisory Group have over 30 years of security experience and expertise. Sapphire has worked in 35 states and has aided in submitting over 500 cannabis business applications. Follow us on social media to stay up to date with cannabis industry updates!