KDWD Newsletter June 20, 2023

Kern River Status Update

The 2023 Water Year continues out to be historic, with Lake Isabella receiving 19.06 inches of precipitation since October 1, 2022. The latest California Department of Water Resources (DWR) water supply forecast update predicts 396% of normal April – July runoff on the Kern River, and a 100% allocation for State Water Project (SWP) supply.

The District does not anticipate prorations this year in the Kern Island service area, and we expect Utility and Transfer water to be available in the Eastside, Stine, Farmers, and Buena Vista service areas through August and possibly beyond.  All connected water users are encouraged to utilize surface supplies throughout the District.  Utility and Transfer Water for all District service areas during 2023 will be $24 an acre-foot.

However, please note that if individual canals or laterals reach their flow capacities throughout the season, it may be necessary to delay orders.  Our District staff will keep you informed of any changes in water supplies and we ask for your cooperation and patience during this process.

Reminder, you may place your water order via email. Water orders must still be placed no later than 10:30 a.m., and twenty four (24) hours prior to the requested delivery or shutoff. Water orders can be sent to waterorder@kerndelta.org and a confirmation email will be sent once it has been received.

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 2021-2022, the current period of 2022-2023, as well as other two-year periods in which the second year was significantly 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 July 6
City of Bakersfield Water Resources Department
1000 Buena Vista Drive, Bakersfield CA 93311
Large Conference Room
Kern River Watershed Coalition Authority
First Thursday of the month at 1:00 PM
The next meeting will be on July 6
Rosedale-Rio Bravo WSD
849 Allen Road, Bakersfield, Ca 93314
Kern Groundwater Authority
Fourth Wednesday of the month at 8:00 AM
Next Meeting: June 28
To Be Determined