At its meeting on October 23, 2025, the Board of Directors of Kern County Water Agency (Agency) approved a contract to hire former Agency director Eric Averett as the Agency’s new General Manager. Mr. Averett has a long history with the Agency having started in an entry level field staff position in 1991 and working up to several management positions during his initial tenure at the Agency, which lasted approximately 17 years. Mr. Averett then served as General Manager of Agency member unit Rosedale-Rio Bravo Water Storage District for roughly 13 years. He has worked in the private sector for the past four years and joined the Agency’s Board of Directors in 2022 before resigning in early October 2025.

“I am excited to undertake the challenge of this new position. There is much work to do in furthering the Agency’s goals in serving Kern County and the Agency’s member units and ensuring water resources in the county are effectively and efficiently managed. I look forward to enhancing the Agency’s position with all stakeholders, including state and federal agencies and representatives,” Averett stated.

“The Board of Directors is thrilled that Eric agreed to take on the General Manager position. His vast experience with the Agency, the member units, Kern County water and statewide water policy will be a tremendous benefit to the Agency as we proceed in meeting the challenges in continuing to bring water to our member units and their customers,” said Gene Lundquist, Director of the Agency Board.

The Kern County Water Agency (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. The Agency, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011, participates in a wide scope of management activities, including water quality, flood control and groundwater operations to preserve and enhance Kern County’s water supply—the main ingredient for the well-being of an economy.

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“I am excited to undertake the challenge of this new position. There is much work to do in furthering the Agency’s goals in serving Kern County and the Agency’s member units."