KDWD Newsletter April 28, 2020

Kern River Status Update

Last week, the Department of Water Resources updated its B-120 forecast for the year. The DWR forecast predicts that the April through July runoff for the Kern River will be around 59% of normal. This forecast is based on observed conditions through April 21. In response to this information. the District sent out our initial Summer 2020 Proration letter. A copy of that letter can be viewed here.

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to impact our nation, Kern Delta Water District remains committed to providing service while supporting the health and safety of our customers and employees alike. We are closely monitoring the changing coronavirus situation and are taking appropriate steps to limit impacts to our employees, customers, and operations. If you need to contact the District for any reason please see this notice.

Work related to the Centennial Corridor Project that will impact the operation of the Stine Canal is expected to begin in late April. The Stine Canal will remain off through May. District staff will do our best to keep growers informed. If you have any questions please call the District’s Dispatch Office at (661) 834-4653.

To help visualize the current state of the River, the District is providing this graph that compares flow rates for the two year periods of 2017-2018, 2018-2019, the current period of 2019-2020, as well as other two year periods in which the first year was above average for the Kern River. The flows for this year are estimates only and subject to revision.
Below is a list of upcoming meetings that may interest our growers. The information presented at these meetings may directly affect agricultural practices and costs.

Upcoming Meetings:

Kern River Groundwater Sustainability Agency
First Thursday of the month at 10:00 AM
The next meeting will be on May 7
City Hall North Conference Room A
1600 Truxtun Ave
Kern River Watershed Coalition Authority
First Thursday of the month at 1:00 PM
The next meeting will be on May 7
Kern County Water Agency
3200 Rio Mirada Drive
Kern Groundwater Authority
Fourth Wednesday of the month at 8:00 AM
Next Meeting: May 27
To Be Determined