Water theft – a newly emerging type of crime in California.

(Baonghean.vn) - Water theft? This story, which seems like a joke, is actually happening with an increasing trend right in the state of California, USA.

Ahead of what is considered the most severe drought in four years, California state police have been receiving numerous reports of water theft. Dozens of water thefts have been documented, including a case where a worker stole 2,500 liters of water from a fire truck in San Ramon and the theft of a water tanker in Oakland…

Many wealthy families still waste water, while drought continues to plague many areas. (Source: Internet)

Not stopping there, the thieves even stole a Ford truck full of water bottles from a water supply center helping people affected by drought. Police later recovered the truck, but all the water inside had vanished.

It is known that the drought situation in California is very serious and affecting all sectors, especially agriculture. It is estimated that California's industrial sector consumes up to 80% of the state's water.

Agriculture accounts for up to 80% of the water in California, Reuters photo.

It's worth noting that despite the severe drought, water is still being used quite wastefully in California. Stephanie Pincetl, Director of the University of California's Center for Sustainable Development, stated that while many farms squander water to irrigate marijuana (a crop considered legal in California) or wealthy individuals use water simply to keep their lawns lush during the dry season, countless people lack sufficient water for their daily needs.

Stephanie condemned the wasteful use of water resources by large farms and wealthy individuals, and suggested reducing water consumption, particularly in affluent neighborhoods – where water consumption is three times higher than in other areas.

Chu Thanh – according to Le Monde