Water Association of Kern County

09/10/2026

We cannot talk Kern County history without talking about cotton!

The first cotton farmers were Solomon and Philo Jewett recording the first commercial cotton in Kern County near Bakersfield in 1865. Cotton was quickly a booming crop in Kern County bringing farmers from across the nation to Kern County.

Later, W.B. Camp arrived in Kern County in 1916 when the U.S. Department of Agriculture brought him to the Shafter Research Station to solve a national cotton shortage caused by the boll weevil and World War I.

09/09/2026

It is time to mix business with a bit of friendly competition and fun!

We are thrilled to introduce a brand-new tradition: The First Annual 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!
https://www.simpletix.com/e/wakc-clay-shoot-tickets-287389

09/08/2026

The Kern County Fair is coming up with opening day on September 23rd!

KC the Bull hopes you will join us on Thursday, September 24th for WATER DAY at the Kern County Fair.

Join us at the Main Entrance as our local purveyors and municipalities will have educational booths, fun games and giveaways!

See you at the Fair.

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 Shotgun 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.