A state appeals court has overturned a ruling that stopped the city of Bakersfield from using weirs to reduce the flow of water in the Kern River below levels needed to keep fish alive.

In 2023, a Kern County Judge issued the order after a lawsuit by the group Bring Back the Kern.

But the appeals court said Wednesday the judge did not weigh the possible impact on the city or water agencies.

The case now returns to the lower court where the judge must reconsider whether the request to protect fish life is reasonable.