KTLA

Brown, Smelly Water in Compton Sparks Concerns – and Allegations of a Political Ruse

During a town hall June 18, 2018, Compton resident Maria Villarreal holds up a bottle containing brown water that she said came from the tap in her home. (Credit: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Residents of Compton have complained about brown, smelly water coming out of their taps for more than a year.

And when officials began talking about dissolving the troubled local water district, the area’s congresswoman scheduled a town hall meeting so community members could weigh in.

Before the day arrived, however, an ad appeared on Craigslist offering “political advocacy” work to African Americans and Latinos — promising to pay $40, with the possibility of an additional bonus.

A sea of critics showed up at the forum Monday, denouncing the Sativa Los Angeles County Water District. Among them was a smaller contingent of defenders holding up signs with slogans such as “Bad water myth created.”

Read the full story on LATimes.com.

33.895849-118.220071