Frequently Asked Questions

Do farmers receive subsidized water?

Farmers pay full cost for the water that they pump out of the ground, from the Kern River and from the State Water Project (California Aqueduct, etc.). Farmers and others who receive water from the State Water Project also pay the full construction costs of the facilities. These groups also pay full cost of the water that they are entitled to from the state, even if they do not receive the water - either due to drought or regulatory restrictions.

Water from federal projects such as the Central Valley Project (Friant-Kern Canal) was authorized by Congress to exempt farm water users from paying interest charges on the construction of the project. All other costs, including construction, maintenance and operations are borne by the water users, who are mainly farmers. Current contracts require construction costs to be repaid by 2030. Friant contractors have already paid those costs.