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.
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.”…