KDWD Newsletter March 29, 2022

Kern River Status Update

Lake Isabella has received 5.39″ of precipitation since October 1, 2021. Given current conditions, the Kern Island, Buena Vista, Stine, and Farmers service areas will be prorated over the summer. Estimated amounts for Utility and SWP prorations will be released after DWR publishes their April 1 Bulletin 120 forecast. Last week’s March B-120 updated forecast for Kern River runoff this year is 25% to 33% of average. This forecast is based on observed conditions and physical measurements through the end of February and assumes normal precipitation after. Every day that there isn’t precipitation the lower end of the range becomes more probable. Earlier this month the Department of Water Resources also announced a decrease of the 2022 SWP allocation from 15% to 5%.

In January, water applications for 2022 went out to all water users. Growers are required to review these applications to ensure the information we have on file is correct. These water applications are vital in preparing accurate grower prorations in April. A fillable form version of the cover page can be found on our website here (Simply complete, print, and include with your application). If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out to our Operations Department at (661) 834-4653 and speak to Cindy. We ask that growers complete the applications and submit them as soon as possible.

The 2022 Kern County Water Summit will be held on May 19th from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM at the Mechanic’s Bank Theatre. More information can be found on the Water Association of Kern County’s website located here.

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 2020-2021, the current period of 2021-2022, as well as other two-year periods in which the first year was below 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 April 7
To Be Determined
Kern River Watershed Coalition Authority
First Thursday of the month at 1:00 PM
The next meeting will be on April 7
To Be Determined
Kern Groundwater Authority
Fourth Wednesday of the month at 8:00 AM
Next Meeting: April 27
To Be Determined