BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The City of Bakersfield announced that after four months of the Kern River flowing through Bakersfield, the City is ending its 2026 Kern River Run on July 31.
“Since April, the City of Bakersfield used its available Kern River supply – beyond what is needed to meet City’s drinking water demands and contractual and environmental obligations – to keep water flowing through the Kern River Channel,” said in a release.
The City said the Kern River supplies are variable and limited each water year and that there are no additional supplies available to the City to continue the 2026 River Run.
Kern River FILE KBAK/KBFX
In a release, it said, “Bakersfield’s Water Department staff are now gradually reducing the amount of water released into the Kern River. This phased approach helps the river gently transition from wet to dry conditions as flows come to an end.”
City Water staff expect the City’s remaining 2026 River Run water supply to be fully used by July 31. The release said the City is limited in its Kern River water supplies and does not have rights to use or direct other water districts’ Kern River supplies.
“Although the City’s River Run is ending, the City will continue to use its own water supplies to maintain flows through this reach of the Kern River Channel,” said in the release. Coordinated water exchange operations with neighboring water agencies will also contribute water to offset recharge losses.
The release said, “Together, these operations will continue to provide flows through and past Chester Avenue to the Calloway Pool – located just east of Golden State Highway – through September.”