Kern County Water Agency and Western Hills Water District Finalize Letter of Intent, Advancing Toward Long-term Agreement

For Immediate Release
May 28, 2026

KERN COUNTY WATER AGENCY AND WESTERN HILLS WATER DISTRICT FINALIZE LETTER OF INTENT, ADVANCING TOWARD LONG-TERM AGREEMENT

Agencies Complete Key Milestone in Resolving Outstanding Issues and Securing Uninterrupted Water Service 

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – (May 28, 2026) – Kern County Water Agency (Agency) and Western Hills Water District (Western Hills) today announced the execution of a Letter of Intent (LOI) memorializing the final draft framework for a comprehensive Definitive Agreement to be developed between the two agencies. The LOI reflects a significant step toward the successful resolution of outstanding issues that had been the subject of extended negotiations and positions both agencies to move forward with confidence.

The LOI establishes agreed terms on water rights, banked water and the structure of an ongoing water supply relationship designed to provide Western Hills with reliable water supply. The Definitive Agreement, anticipated to be completed in the months ahead, will formalize these terms and govern the long-term relationship between the agencies.

“This agreement reflects the commitment of both agencies to resolve outstanding issues and ensure that Western Hills customers continue to receive uninterrupted water service,” said Eric Averett, General Manager of the Agency. “We are pleased with the progress made and look forward to completing the Definitive Agreement.”

“This agreement marks an important milestone toward achieving long-term certainty, operational stability, and continued reliability of water service for the Diablo Grande community,” said Mark Kovich, Board President of Western Hills. “The framework established between the parties helps ensure uninterrupted water delivery, addresses and resolves long standing issues that have existed between the agency and the district, and establishes a constructive path forward that benefits both entities and, most importantly, their respective customers. The Board of Directors of Western Hills believes the terms of the agreement are fair, balanced, and responsible. The framework provides greater stability for future operations, promotes improved cooperation between the agencies, and creates a foundation for long-term planning and reliability.”

Both agencies are committed to completing the Definitive Agreement on a timely basis and will provide further updates as that process advances.

About Kern County Water Agency
The Agency is a regional wholesale water agency serving Kern County, California. The Agency delivers State Water Project water to its 13 Member Units and Improvement District No. 4, serving agricultural, municipal and industrial users across the region.

About Western Hills Water District 
The Western Hills Water District (WHWD) is a California Special District that provides water, sewer, and storm drainage services to the Diablo Grande community west of Patterson, California. Governed by an elected Board of Directors, the District is responsible for maintaining critical public utility infrastructure and ensuring reliable essential services for its residents and customers. WHWD remains committed to fiscal responsibility, infrastructure reliability, regulatory compliance, and the long-term sustainability of water resources for the community it serves.

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The Kern County Water Agency was created in 1961 by a special act of the State Legislature and serves as the local contracting entity for the State Water Project.  

News Staff