We have heard a lot about the water shortage out west reaching critical levels. A new law in Oregon cracks down on illegal use of water intended for agricultural operations.
It is all because of illegal marijuana growers, whom the state says are stealing water. The law places the burden on haulers and suppliers to track down where their water deliveries are going.
“What we don’t want to see is our water masters become the arm of this war against unregistered cannabis, and so, we are really working to work within Oregon water law to limit water theft,” according to Alyssa Rash with the Oregon Water Resources Department.
She adds that the goal is for suppliers, like irrigation districts and haulers, to verify sites that are legal before providing water. it is then up to law enforcement to investigate an illegal cannabis operation. The new rules were approved by Oregon lawmakers this year.
Related:
Water crisis “couldn’t be worse” on Oregon-California border
Oregon passes OT bill, and its better than Washington’s
Oregon Governor Issues First Drought Declaration for the Year
