Board approved a 2026 budget featuring approximately $10 per contract acre increases in both O&M and Fixed Obligation rates, driven by a $600,000 increase for equipment inventory and aging infrastructure replacement. A comprehensive groundwater recharge study identified the White Wolf sub-basin as the most suitable location for future recharge projects, with conditions improving toward eastern areas. New environmental law changes now allow remote participation for board members.
The water district board unanimously reaffirmed the engineer-manager's authority to initiate water management activities including recharge operations and exchange programs without requiring additional board approvals for each decision. The district experienced a significant loss of approximately 3,400 acre-feet of stored water in 2023 spill events when carryover supplies weren't evacuated before new water became available. The State Water Resources Control Board approved sending the Kern...
The State Water Resources Control Board is expected to approve the Kern Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan on September 17th after addressing most deficiencies. The district exceeded subsidence management thresholds at three in-district monitoring points, triggering mandatory investigations under SGMA requirements. The board approved major financial commitments, including up to $316,000 for a fish-friendly diversion demonstration and participation in basin-wide SGMA expenses, with...
