Kern River Flow Shutdown: Why Water Conservation is Important

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The Kern River is a vital water source for Bakersfield, California, but it is facing a temporary shutdown.

The Army Corps of Engineers is shutting off the flow from Isabella Lake to perform maintenance on the dam's outflow conduit.

The Kern River is running deep, wide, and swift, but its abundance can pose a challenge too. The shutdown is necessary to keep the dam running optimally during this unusually high-volume year.

The 24-hour shutoff poses a danger, and it's essential to stay out of the Kern even when it empties. An unexpected surge could send a sudden powerful wave coursing through the channel.

Water agencies are asking water users in northeast and northwest Bakersfield to limit their water usage to only the most necessary purposes during the shutdown.

The city of Bakersfield is asking all its customers, citywide, to conserve water during this period.

Water users don't need to eliminate their morning shower, but they shouldn't water their lawn or wash their car for about 24 to 48 hours.

The inspection by the Army Corps of Engineers will take up to eight hours once the flow has stopped completely.

Then it will be slowly brought back to a flow of 5300 cubic feet per second, and reservoir storage will increase by 8,000 acre-feet.

The Army Corps of Engineers needs to inspect the tunnel that goes through the dam to ensure everything is okay inside.

They want to avoid vibration, which can occur due to cavitation, caused by tiny bubbles due to changes in pressure inside the dam's workings.

Water users in northeast and northwest Bakersfield are most affected by the shutdown. These parts of town rely more on surface water than groundwater to serve their customers.

The Kern River Flow Shutdown is necessary for maintenance on the dam's outflow conduit. It's important to ensure everything is okay inside the dam..

The 24-hour shutdown highlights the importance of water conservation, even in areas where water seems abundant. The Kern River is a vital water source, and it's essential to use it wisely.

The Kern River Flow Shutdown is a reminder that water conservation is essential, even in areas where water seems abundant.

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By limiting water usage during this period, Bakersfield can help ensure that the Kern River remains a reliable water source for years to come.