VIDEO: First Point is a foundational structure under the Law of the River on the Kern

The Kern River is a very highly structured river with multiple weirs, canals and points of measurement.

In this video, we’ll look at what’s known as the First Point of measurement on the river, where it is, and why it’s so important to understanding how the Law of the River govern’s Kern River operations.

Coming next: 

Second Point

One of the main reasons Kern River flows are measured at First Point is to know how much water to deliver at Second Point. Lets check it out with Kern River Watermaster Mark Mulkay.

The Intertie

This is the final structure on the Kern River and it featured prominently in the State Water Resources Control Board’s 2011 decision that the river wasn’t fully appropriated. Kern River Watermaster Mark Mulkay explains more.

Upper river

We travel with Kern River Watermaster Mark Mulkay down the river, stopping at key points along the way.

Lower river

The Kern River’s many stopping points are explained by Kern River Watermaster Mark Mulkay, North Kern Water Storage District General Manager Dave Hampton and Bakersfield City Water Resources Director Art Chianello.

State Hearings

OK, now you know a bit about Kern River operations. Now it’s time to dive into one of the biggest legal fights over its waters since Miller sued Haggin in the 1870s.