Friant-Kern Canal Repair Project Begins in Southern Tulare County to Combat Subsidence
A project to repair the Friant-Kern Canal and reduce groundwater pumping has commenced in southern Tulare County. The initial phase involves constructing five pump stations that will lift water from the canal into local districts, aiming to address subsidence damage…
Fresno Visalia, CA, October 3, 2026 — A significant infrastructure project aimed at repairing the Friant-Kern Canal and mitigating the effects of groundwater pumping has officially begun in southern Tulare County. The initiative seeks to address long-standing issues of subsidence damage and restore the canal’s crucial water delivery capabilities.
The initial phase of this project focuses on the construction of five new pump stations. These stations are designed to lift water directly from the Friant-Kern Canal and distribute it into local water districts. This process is a key component in the broader strategy to manage water resources effectively in the region.
The construction of these pump stations is intended to combat the severe subsidence that has impacted the canal. Subsidence, a gradual sinking of land, is often caused by excessive groundwater pumping, which can lead to significant damage to the canal’s structure, reducing its capacity to deliver water. By facilitating the movement of water into local districts, the project aims to reduce the reliance on groundwater and, consequently, alleviate the pressure contributing to subsidence.
Officials involved in the project have indicated that restoring the canal’s water delivery capacity is a primary objective. The Friant-Kern Canal is a vital artery for water conveyance in the Central Valley, and its diminished capacity due to subsidence has had far-reaching implications for agricultural and municipal water supplies.
Details regarding the specific timeline for the completion of the initial phase, the contractors involved in the construction, or the total cost of the project were not immediately available. The exact nature of the subsidence damage and its extent across the canal were also not detailed in the provided summary. Further information regarding the project’s funding, regulatory approvals, and long-term impact on water management in the area is anticipated as the work progresses.
The commencement of construction marks a critical step towards addressing the environmental and infrastructural challenges faced by the region. The project’s success is expected to have a notable impact on water security and agricultural viability in southern Tulare County.
Story summarized from the original created by Lisa McEwen on sjvwater.org, see more information here.
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