Bakersfield Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Bakersfield tap water has notable issues that residents should consider. With 174 ppm hardness (10.2 gpg), expect some mineral deposits over time. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. PFAS "forever chemicals" exceed EPA limits — a water filter is strongly recommended. No violations have been recorded in the past 3 years.
Action Needed
Quality issues detected
10.2 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Hard water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Bakersfield Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Bakersfield tap water has significant quality concerns that may require action.
7 contaminants were tested in Bakersfield's water. 7 were detected, and 2 exceed EPA limits.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — PFOS at 6.75 ppt (EPA limit: 4 ppt), PFOA at 6.53 ppt (EPA limit: 4 ppt) — exceed the EPA safety limit. 5 other PFAS compounds were also detected within limits.
A man-made "forever chemical" formerly used in Scotchgard, firefighting foam, and industrial processes. Associated with increased cholesterol, thyroid disease, immune system suppression, and certain cancers.
→ A reverse osmosis (RO) or NSF-certified activated carbon filter can reduce PFOS by 90% or more.
Lead — Lead (1.3 ppb) is at 9% of the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 160K people in the Bakersfield area.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
Bakersfield has PFAS levels exceeding EPA limits. A reverse osmosis (RO) filter or NSF-certified activated carbon filter is recommended to reduce PFAS in your drinking water. With hard water (174 ppm), a water softener can reduce scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and water heaters.
How Hard is Bakersfield Water?
174 ppm
10.2 grains per gallon
Hard water can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances. A water softener may be beneficial.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
May dry out skin & hair
Kitchen
Spots on dishes
Laundry
Clothes may feel stiff
Appliances
Scale buildup
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Do I Need a Water Softener?
At 174 ppm, Bakersfield has hard water. You may notice white spots on dishes, dry skin after showering, and mineral buildup on fixtures. A water softener can help reduce these effects, though it's not strictly necessary for health — hard water is safe to drink.
Based on 83 samples from TODO: Add from CCR ()
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Bakersfield tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Bakersfield
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
1.3 ppb
Bakersfield lead levels are well within safe limits.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2025-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
Lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb, though they emphasize there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
High blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
2 PFAS chemicals exceed EPA limits
+ 3 more PFAS compounds detected
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. A reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter can reduce PFAS levels.
Other Detected Contaminants
7 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFBS | 4.85 ppt Range: 0-6.6 UCMR5 - 2/96 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFHPA | 3.5 ppt Range: 0-3.5 UCMR5 - 1/96 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFHXA | 4 ppt Range: 0-4.6 UCMR5 - 3/96 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFHxS | 5.18 ppt Range: 0-7.3 UCMR5 - 10/96 samples detected | 10 ppt Goal: 10 ppt | Caution 52% of limit |
PFOA | 6.53 ppt Range: 0-9.1 UCMR5 - 3/96 samples detected - Max 9.1 ppt exceeds EPA MCL of 4 ppt | 4 ppt 0 | Exceeds 163% of limit |
PFOS | 6.75 ppt Range: 0-14 UCMR5 - 19/96 samples detected - Max 14.0 ppt exceeds EPA MCL of 4 ppt | 4 ppt 0 | Exceeds 169% of limit |
PFPEA | 4.06 ppt Range: 0-5.5 UCMR5 - 9/96 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Excellent Record
No violations in past 3 yearsThis utility has maintained full EPA compliance. No action needed, but regular home testing is still recommended.
3-Year Violation Summary
0
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
0
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Bakersfield's Water?
Utility Name
BAKERSFIELD, CITY OF
EPA System ID (PWSID)
CA1510031
Primary Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
160K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bakersfield tap water quality
Nearby Cities in California
Los Angeles
Hard water
East Bay
Very Hard water
San Diego
Very Hard water
San Jose
Very Hard water
California
Hard water
Eastern Municipal Wd
Very Hard water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: TODO: Add from CCR ()