At its October 22 meeting, the Kern County Water Agency board entered closed session on three existing litigation matters, two potential suits and price-and-terms negotiations involving State Water Project water and the Rio Bravo Hydroelectric Project. Other scheduled items included golden mussels, 2026 State Water Project and Central Valley Project allocations and operations, water banking and local State Water Project operations.
The committee recommended a $454,181 pipeline restoration award to Whitaker Construction Group, a no-cost extension for additional tank work, and the addition of Drying Bed No. 3. It voted to continue the golden mussel emergency as staff plans chemical injection upstream of the raw water pumps. The State Water Project allocation remains at 45%, and Kern River water is expected to supply the treatment plant through year-end.
At its September 24 meeting, the Kern County Water Agency board voted to enter closed session on three existing litigation matters, one potential suit, and negotiations over State Water Project water price and terms. The agenda also scheduled hearings on the proposed fiscal year 2027-28 Zones of Benefit Report and an impasse, and listed golden mussel response items.
Staff reported Cross Valley Canal liner repairs were underway and the liner was poured the morning of the meeting; staff hoped water could return by mid-next week, about a month earlier than previously anticipated. Kern Fan banking recovery totaled about 44,246 acre-feet in 2026; hydrographs show year-over-year middle-aquifer declines at all six sites. KINDLA advanced SGMA allocation framework work and sought well volunteers for water-quality data.
The board approved a new water supply agreement with Western Hills Water District, including transfer of 4,791 acre-feet of banked water to KCWA and canceling an 8,000 acre-foot legacy obligation. A golden mussel emergency declaration was continued, with a public forum set for August 5 at Bakersfield College. The board also adopted reduced zone of benefit assessments of approximately $30 million for FY 2026-27, down from the ~$50 million maximum authorized.
