VIDEO: Kern River water goes mostly to agriculture

Here is the third in our series of videos examining how rights to the water of the Kern River were divvied up through a complex matrix of settlements, decrees and contracts stretching back more than 135 years.

This series:

• Tubatulabal: The tribe lived along the branches of the upper Kern River for 6,000 years.

• Yokuts: The Kern River was a lifeline for the various San Joaquin Valley tribes, collectively known as Yokuts.

• Rights: Most Kern River rights are held by agricultural water districts and the City of Bakersfield Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025.
  
• Public Trust: Several local groups believe the public has a right to Kern River water and are suing Bakersfield. Coming Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

You can see all SJV Water video projects on our YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@thesjvwaterchannel9570

* Made possible by a grant from the Virginia and Alfred Harrell Foundation.