Rosedale water district urges Bakersfield to revisit Onyx Ranch recharge project amid litigation

Dan Bartel, representing the Rosedale Real/Bravo Water Storage District, urged the Bakersfield City Council on Oct. 9 to revisit litigation that halted the Onyx Ranch groundwater recharge project and to resume coordination with city staff. "This project would result in more flow down the river through Bakersfield, which we understand is a mutual goal of the city council and our agency," Bartel said.

Bartel said Rosedale operates several groundwater recharge projects that benefit about 10,000 Bakersfield residents and described Onyx Ranch as a measure that would increase recharge to the aquifer by ceasing irrigation on low‑value pastures upstream and allowing that water to move down the Kern River into the city. He said the project began successfully but was stopped in 2022 after litigation was filed by "various Kern River interests," and that lawyers have since raised new arguments that could have "unforeseen consequences to the water rights of the city."

Bartel asked the council to "reconsider this litigation and once again work with Rosedale to develop a win‑win opportunity that would benefit the homes, businesses, schools, and farms within both Rosedale and Bakersfield." He told council staff the district is prepared to work with the city's water department to implement the project if legal obstacles can be resolved.

Council members did not take action on the item during the meeting; the comment was received during the non‑agenda public comment period. No city staff response or formal motion about the project was recorded on the public record at this meeting.