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.
Groundwater levels are declining across all six monitoring locations, with the largest drop of 96 feet at the Kern Water Bank, though all remain above 2022 lows. The golden mussel threat continues, prompting a public awareness campaign and treatment studies by DUDEK for affected canals. A revised ID4 financial plan was adopted, creating a dedicated capital improvement fund expected to generate ~$4M next year for aging infrastructure upgrades.
Reviewed feasibility work for Alt 5 Pool 1 improvements, comparing Alternative 3 (parallel canal, ~500 CFS during work) vs Alternative 4 (widened channel, ~140-day shutdown). Final feasibility report expected early July. Staff updated on golden mussel response/coordination (Dudek engaged; coordination with Friant on funding/regulatory relief).
Nearly $875,000 in federal grant funding (opportunity coordinated through Congressman Fong’s office) will support ID4’s water quality lab upgrade, with ID4 adding funds (total potential just under $2M). The Board approved continuing the emergency repair for CVC River Turnout No. 3 (ID4-funded; mid-June completion expected). CVC is delivering ~126 cfs in reverse flow to the California Aqueduct.
Golden mussels continue spreading through Cross Valley Canal pools 1–8, prompting approval of a $500,000 budget amendment for a vulnerability assessment and treatment plan; pools are currently dewatered with zero inflows or deliveries ongoing. A feasibility study for Kern Fan Alternative No. 5 is progressing, with a draft report expected in early May and a follow-up workshop planned for mid-to-late May.
