For the first time ever, Kern County will receive no water from the state water project. It's bad news for growers and cities like Bakersfield that depend on the this resource.
The water we're talking about comes from the California Aqueduct. Right now it's full but in a few months we could be looking at a dry concrete canal.
Kern County and other communities get this water from pumps in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. On good years, it brings one million acre feet to Kern. But after the driest year in state history, the state department of water resources made the announcement this morning that for the first time since the project started in the mid-sixties no one is getting water.
According to local officials this does not mean residents will be without water this year because most of us use groundwater. But the Kern County water agency who delivers all this state water project water still says this is bad news and it's important to conserve.
"To receive a zero allocation from the state is extremely bad news for the county," said David Baumstark, Administrative Operations Manager with the Kern County Water Agency. "The entire county, all the water districts in the county have been preparing for this but there was always the hope that there would be better hydrology. But in the absence of that, a zero allocation is an extreme wake-up call."
According to the Kern County Water Agency, this will impact seven hundred thousand irrigated acres of farmland as well as the City of Bakersfield.
It may also impact the communities around Taft and Tehachapi that get water from the West Kern Water District and the Tehachapi-Cummings Water District.
Even with the zero percent allocation, areas served will still pay for their entire promised allotment.
Several legislators issued statements today about this news.
Governor Jerry Brown:
"Today's action is a stark reminder that California's drought is real. We're taking every possible step to prepare the state for the continuing dry conditions we face."
Congressman Kevin McCarthy / (R) House Majority Whip:
"Today, Central Valley farmers and families were dealt another blow when the California Department of Water Resources reduced State Water Project allocations from 5% to 0% in light of yesterday's finding that the California snowpack is only 12% of its average this time of year. The pressure this decision puts on the already dangerously low reservoirs and groundwater banks is unsustainable. That is why House Republicans have put forth and will vote next week on a solution to California's man-made water problems. This bill, led by Rep. David Valadao (CA-21) and joined by myself and every other California Republican House member, is a responsible answer to the hardship the Central Valley is currently facing. Unfortunately, Governor Brown and Senator Feinstein oppose the House solution. Perhaps more disturbing is their failure of leadership in offering a solution of their own to bring Central Valley communities new or additional water. As the House acts on Rep. Valadao's legislation next week, I urge Governor Brown to use his authority to immediately direct state agencies to relax current state environmental regulations in the delta to ensure any water that does move down the Sacramento River ultimately flows to Kern County and Central California. Absent immediate action, California farmers and communities will continue to be gripped by the damaging effects of the worst drought in a century."
State Senator Jean Fuller / (R) Bakersfield:
"No doubt we are heading into uncharted territory and are past the point of crisis. California has declared a drought emergency, and now the President must act to provide additional relief to the millions of people impacted by this historic drought. Now is the time for action and all available water must be used effectively. Ensuring farmers have enough water to grow food is critical. The economics of this drought will be felt in the Valley, as well as California, and in numerous sectors of the economy."
State Senator Andy Vidak / (R) Hanford:
"A zero percent water allocation for our Valley is catastrophic! We need the pumps turned on now for immediate relief and a water bond on the November ballot that fully funds water storage to protect us in the future."
Assemblymember Rudy Salas / (D) Bakersfield:
"This is one of the worst droughts in California history. With the Sierra Snowpack at 12% normal, we must come together to fix California's water systems. News of the Department of Water Resources 0% allocation just sends a clear message that we can no longer afford to wait; we must come together and work toward a bi-partisan water bond for the sake of all Californians. I look forward to tonight's water hearing in my district to speak about the needs of the Central Valley and work towards a solution for the state."
The water we're talking about comes from the California Aqueduct. Right now it's full but in a few months we could be looking at a dry concrete canal.
Kern County and other communities get this water from pumps in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. On good years, it brings one million acre feet to Kern. But after the driest year in state history, the state department of water resources made the announcement this morning that for the first time since the project started in the mid-sixties no one is getting water.
According to local officials this does not mean residents will be without water this year because most of us use groundwater. But the Kern County water agency who delivers all this state water project water still says this is bad news and it's important to conserve.
"To receive a zero allocation from the state is extremely bad news for the county," said David Baumstark, Administrative Operations Manager with the Kern County Water Agency. "The entire county, all the water districts in the county have been preparing for this but there was always the hope that there would be better hydrology. But in the absence of that, a zero allocation is an extreme wake-up call."
According to the Kern County Water Agency, this will impact seven hundred thousand irrigated acres of farmland as well as the City of Bakersfield.
It may also impact the communities around Taft and Tehachapi that get water from the West Kern Water District and the Tehachapi-Cummings Water District.
Even with the zero percent allocation, areas served will still pay for their entire promised allotment.
Several legislators issued statements today about this news.
Governor Jerry Brown:
"Today's action is a stark reminder that California's drought is real. We're taking every possible step to prepare the state for the continuing dry conditions we face."
Congressman Kevin McCarthy / (R) House Majority Whip:
"Today, Central Valley farmers and families were dealt another blow when the California Department of Water Resources reduced State Water Project allocations from 5% to 0% in light of yesterday's finding that the California snowpack is only 12% of its average this time of year. The pressure this decision puts on the already dangerously low reservoirs and groundwater banks is unsustainable. That is why House Republicans have put forth and will vote next week on a solution to California's man-made water problems. This bill, led by Rep. David Valadao (CA-21) and joined by myself and every other California Republican House member, is a responsible answer to the hardship the Central Valley is currently facing. Unfortunately, Governor Brown and Senator Feinstein oppose the House solution. Perhaps more disturbing is their failure of leadership in offering a solution of their own to bring Central Valley communities new or additional water. As the House acts on Rep. Valadao's legislation next week, I urge Governor Brown to use his authority to immediately direct state agencies to relax current state environmental regulations in the delta to ensure any water that does move down the Sacramento River ultimately flows to Kern County and Central California. Absent immediate action, California farmers and communities will continue to be gripped by the damaging effects of the worst drought in a century."
State Senator Jean Fuller / (R) Bakersfield:
"No doubt we are heading into uncharted territory and are past the point of crisis. California has declared a drought emergency, and now the President must act to provide additional relief to the millions of people impacted by this historic drought. Now is the time for action and all available water must be used effectively. Ensuring farmers have enough water to grow food is critical. The economics of this drought will be felt in the Valley, as well as California, and in numerous sectors of the economy."
State Senator Andy Vidak / (R) Hanford:
"A zero percent water allocation for our Valley is catastrophic! We need the pumps turned on now for immediate relief and a water bond on the November ballot that fully funds water storage to protect us in the future."
Assemblymember Rudy Salas / (D) Bakersfield:
"This is one of the worst droughts in California history. With the Sierra Snowpack at 12% normal, we must come together to fix California's water systems. News of the Department of Water Resources 0% allocation just sends a clear message that we can no longer afford to wait; we must come together and work toward a bi-partisan water bond for the sake of all Californians. I look forward to tonight's water hearing in my district to speak about the needs of the Central Valley and work towards a solution for the state."