Closure of Chukchansi Tribe's casino affects reservation water


The Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino in Coarsegold, California. Photo © Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians

The closure of the casino owned by the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians in California has affected water service on the reservation.

The Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino shares the same water tables as homes on the reservation. Residents say they had an agreement in which the tribe would replenish holding tanks if they ran dry.

But now that casino has been shut down, the homes have been without water since last week. "They're taking millions of gallons from our land, and we're the only ones suffering, the citizens," resident Luke Davis told KMPH.

Tribal representatives said they weren't aware of a contract to address the water issues. The casino closed on October 9 and 1,100 employees have been sent lay-off notices.

Get the Story:
Families Without Water, Blame Chukchansi Casino Closure (KMPH 10/20)
Efforts underway to help laid-off Chukchansi Casino employees (KSFN 10/20)

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Chukchansi Tribe sends layoff notices to most casino workers (10/20)

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