KDWD Newsletter October 6, 2020

Kern River Status Update Happy New Water Year! On September 30, 2020 the 2019-2020 Water Year officially ended for the Kern River. From October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020 Lake Isabella observed 9.56″ of precipitation. At the Kern Delta District Office we observed 6.70″ of precipitation for the same period. Let’s hope the 2020-2021 Water Year will bring us more precipitation and an abundant river flow.

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.

The District office is undergoing an extensive remodel and addition project that is expected to last through December. There is no public access to the main District office building and parking lot during construction. Customers may use Ramos Avenue for public parking and to visit the temporary office during this time. Our water delivery capabilities will not be diminished due to the project. 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. If customers must come to the District Office, they are asked to wear a mask.

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 November 5 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 November 5 Kern County Water Agency 3200 Rio Mirada Drive Kern Groundwater Authority Fourth Wednesday of the month at 8:00 AM Next Meeting: October 28 To Be Determined