KDWD Newsletter June 2, 2020

Kern River Status Update

It is with great anticipation and excitement that Kern Delta Water District announces that as of Monday, June 1st, Steven L. Teglia has assumed the role of District General Manager. The Kern Delta Board made this appointment at their May 16, 2020 Regular Board Meeting. L. Mark Mulkay will remain with the District and will transition to the role of Water Resources Manager. Steven has been with the District for just over a year and previously held the position of Chief Operating Officer. While Mr. Mulkay will remain with the District for the next several years, the Board would like to thank him for his steadfast leadership and vision as District General Manager for the past 27 years. Mark’s keen insight and knowledge will remain a valued asset as he continues his tenure as part of the Kern Delta team.

This week all District Canals will be operational for the summer run. Growers are encouraged to contact the Dispatch office at (661) 834-4653 for their proration balances.

The District office is undergoing an extensive remodel and addition project that is expected to last six months. Our water delivery capabilities will not be diminished during the project. However, we ask that in-person visits be kept to a minimum and encourage our customers to do as much business as possible over the phone.

Last week, the Department of Water Resources updated its May B-120 forecast for the year. The DWR forecast predicts that the April through July runoff for the Kern River will be around 50% of normal. This forecast is based on observed conditions through May 26.

The June Kern River Watershed Coalition Authority meeting has been cancled.

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 June 4
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 Canceled
Kern County Water Agency
3200 Rio Mirada Drive
Kern Groundwater Authority
Fourth Wednesday of the month at 8:00 AM
Next Meeting: June 24
To Be Determined