The Kern County Water Agency (Agency) was created in 1961 by a special act of the California State Legislature and serves as the local contracting entity for the State Water Project. The Agency participates in a wide scope of water management activities, including water quality, flood control and groundwater operations to preserve and enhance Kern County’s water supply—the main ingredient for the well-being of an economy.

Over the years, the Agency has experienced extreme variations in water supply on both local and statewide fronts due to drought conditions, increasing environmental regulations in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and ever-expanding demands on the state’s water system. Making the best possible use of existing water supplies and protecting these supplies from external threats have become increasingly important. The Agency will continue to face these challenges by developing unique solutions and striving for excellence in technical, administrative, policy-making and financial arenas.