Crews have commenced work on replacing the Kern River Canal Backup Weir, a crucial water infrastructure component for the city. Demolition of the existing weir began on Thursday, February 20, 2025, marking the initial phase of the replacement project. The weir, situated east of the Coffee Road bridge, plays a vital role in allowing Bakersfield’s water department to manage floodwaters and divert the Kern River’s flow. Officials reported that the weir sustained damage in 2019 and again in 2023, rendering it non-operational.

Other infrastructure news:

• Placer County Water Agency: News release: PCWA prepares for second year of water reductions due to PG&E infrastructure failure
• The Coast News Group (Encinitas, Calif.): County Water Authority marks milestone in First Aqueduct renovation
• LAist: Large-scale debris removal underway at Eaton Wash Dam
• Daily Republic (Fairfield, Calif.): Supervisors look to extend Suisun Marsh levee emergency
• KCRA (Sacramento, Calif.): Rep. Harder taking steps to prevent Delta Conveyance Project