Water Association of Kern County

09/07/2026

We are thrilled to introduce a brand-new tradition: The Inaugural WAKC Clay Shoot.

This event is designed for you to unwind, enjoy the outdoors, and strengthen connections with fellow members in a relaxed, high-energy environment. Whether you are an experienced marksman or a first-time shooter, we welcome you to join us for a day of sport, camaraderie, and great food.

Registration and Sponsorship Opportunities Open NOW!


What: WAKC Clay Shoot
When: Saturday, October 17th 7:30am
Where: Kern County Gun Club, 12450 Sh***un Road
Why: Join fellow water industry professionals, community leaders and supporters for a day of sporting clays, networking, great food and friendly competition in support of water education and advocacy throughout Kern County!

Join WAKC in a fun, social event to bring together the water community.

09/03/2026

Did you know California water doctrine started in Kern County??
It's time for more water history lessons!

LUX v. HAGGIN - The California Supreme Court case that has shaped aspects of our water rights

Henry Miller was a partner in a cattle firm and owned lands downstream. He claimed riparian rights, the right of landowners next to a water source to use it, over water flowing down the Kern.

James Ben Ali Haggin was a wealthy landowner who was upstream. He claimed appropriative rights, the right to divert water for use on land away from the river, over water he saw flowing. He built extensive canals to water various crops on his land.

Haggin's use of the water left little for Miller's cattle, which sent them into a landmark case!
The ruling? The CA Supreme court ruled in favor of Miller & Lux.

This created the "California Doctrine" which balances both types of rights!

09/01/2026

Precipitation in Bakersfield averages 6. inches per year. It’s a very dry climate. That means water for families, business, farms, the environment and recreation, has to come from elsewhere.

Besides rain and snow, there are several water sources in Kern County, all of which are limited, valuable and important to Kern County’s economy and lifestyle.

Surface water accounts for nearly 40% of our annual water supply, making it's way to Kern County from either the California Aqueduct or the Friant-Kern Canal.

08/31/2026

Nominations close tomorrow, Sept 1st for our Water Awards.

The Water Legacy award winner in 2025 was Robert Kunde.

This award is meant to honor someone who has spent at least 10 years working in water issues in Kern County, and who has demonstrated leadership abilities in creating change and improvement. This person has a long-term commitment to Kern’s water community and has made outstanding contributions.

Kunde is pictured here with Executive Director, Jenny Holtermann.

08/27/2026

It's time for some more water history!

Did you know? Parts of the Kern Island Canal were excavated using the Souther Ditch Plow
This, roughly 1,400 pound plow, cut a furrow approximately five feet deep. The plow was pulled by 40 oxen! It has been restored and can be seen at the Kern County Museum.

08/25/2026

Nominations are now open for our annual Water Awards.

Our Water Leader of the Year award is for a person who made significant contributions in the last year, shown leadership and integrity and who has exhibited extraordinary efforts on water issues or projects in the past year. This person is a recognizable leader who exhibits fair, ethical and knowledgeable skills and who is working to achieve positive change for Kern.

In 2025 our Water Leader of the Year was Valerie Kincaid and in 2024, Derek Yurosek. (both pictured here)

email [email protected] for more information

08/20/2026

In honor of school being back in session, we are going to start a little weekly history lesson on water in Kern County!

Did you know Bakersfield was built around an 1800's irrigation system?

Bakersfield's urban canal landscape isn't just drainage conveniently built around the city The Kern Island Canal also supplies the Carrier and Eastside Canal. Kern Island travels through what is now Bakersfield before splitting into three branches and supplying our city and agriculture community with water.

08/18/2026

I am sure you have noticed that almond harvest is in full swing in Kern County. With orchards lining our major highways through the county, they are everywhere!

Kern County is the world’s largest producer of almonds, making us a global leader in almond farming. 🤯

We produce about 19% of the entire California almond crop value right here in Kern County. Now that is just nuts!

08/13/2026

Local Water officials ask residents who own boats to remember "The Golden Rule: Clean. Drain. Dry." campaign. The campaign is to help prevent the spread of golden mussels in our local waterways, said the city.

The Golden Rule: Clean. Drain. Dry. The campaign will focus on engaging recreational users of Kern County waterways to help prevent the spread of golden mussels and protect our water.

o Cleaning vessels and gear inside and out right after leaving the water.
o Draining bilge, ballast, wells, and buckets before you leave the area.
o Drying equipment completely before launching into another body of water

Golden mussels pose a growing threat to California agriculture. These invasive mollusks attach to pump equipment, irrigation systems, and canals – clogging the infrastructure farmers depend on to deliver water to their crops.

To help protect California growers, The Golden Rule campaign has released a new flyer sharing best practices for preventing the spread of golden mussels.

Help stop the spread and learn how you can help protect California agriculture

08/12/2026

Based on current hydrology and updated forecasts, Reclamation is announcing the following changes to CVP water supply allocations:

South-of-Delta Contractors

Irrigation water service and repayment contractors south-of-Delta are increased from 25% to 28% of their contract total.
Municipal and Industrial water service, and repayment contractors are increased from 75% to 78% of their historic use, or public health and safety needs, whichever is greater.

Bureau of Reclamation