Former California water official, Dennis Falaschi, pleaded guilty to conspiring to steal water in the state’s Central Valley. The 78-year-old admitted to the theft of over $25 million in water over two decades by siphoning it from a federal irrigation canal through a secret pipe and selling it to farmers and other water districts.
The case against Falaschi highlighted the ongoing issue of water theft in California, a state that has been struggling with water conservation efforts. In recent years, California has implemented laws to regulate groundwater pumping and promote more sustainable water use practices.
Authorities revealed that Falaschi was not the only one involved in the water theft scheme, but did not disclose the identities of other individuals. Despite initial allegations of stealing millions of dollars worth of water, it was estimated that Falaschi only took a fraction of that amount.
As part of his plea deal, Falaschi has agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors in any further investigations. He is set to be sentenced in September, with the possibility of facing consequences for his actions.
The case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by California in managing its water resources and the importance of enforcing regulations to prevent illegal water activities. The impact of water theft not only affects the environment but also poses a threat to the state’s agricultural industry, which plays a crucial role in supplying fresh produce to the nation.