Tehachapi hits 85% of yearly predicted rainfall by February

California is experiencing a far wetter season than originally forecasted. As of the Tehachapi Cummings County Water District (TCCWD) board meeting on Feb. 21, Tehachapi had officially seen 85% of the total predicted rainfall for 2024.

In February alone, the Tehachapi valley saw over 4.5 inches of rainfall, with over 8 inches of rain having fallen already this year. Reservoirs in the Central Valley and across California are reporting fuller than average levels, with an overflow of water at Lake Oroville requiring 64,000 acre feet of water to be sent out to San Francisco Bay via spillways.

Yearly dam inspections were done in February and TCCWD is awaiting results, with the average processing time being 30-45 days. TCCWD also conducted pump plant inspections, the results of which reflected a well-functioning and well-maintained system of plants. Ongoing equipment upgrades and repairs across the water district continue to be timely and projects remain on track.

The board held a public hearing for the allocation of Cummings ground water, an agreement which every water pumper in the Tehachapi valley asked to sign on to. The agreement took on minimal revisions from last year and received no public input, passing 5-0 in a vote.

The TCCWD holds monthly meetings on the third Wednesday of the month at 3 p.m. in their district offices at 22901 Banducci Rd. Members of the public are invited to attend and learn about their district's water happenings.