Bakersfield Water Quality at a Glance
multiple concerns
Is Bakersfield Water Safe to Drink?
Generally Yes, With Caution – Most Bakersfield water meets federal standards, but the city faces significant contamination concerns including PFAS “forever chemicals” detected in 22 of 77 wells. Additional concerns include extremely high chromium-6 levels (30x safe levels), elevated arsenic, TCP, and disinfection byproducts. The Central Valley’s agricultural and industrial activities have created ongoing water quality challenges.
⚠️ Key Concerns for Bakersfield Residents
- PFAS “Forever Chemicals”: 22 of 77 Cal Water wells detected PFAS, with new EPA limits requiring treatment by 2029
- Chromium-6: Dangerous levels at 587 ppt – 30 times higher than safe cancer-risk levels
- Arsenic: 2.51 ppb – nearly 4 times the national average, linked to cancer and developmental issues
- TCP Contamination: Soil fumigant chemical exceeding safety limits in some areas
- Disinfection Byproducts: High levels of haloacetic acids and trihalomethanes from chlorine treatment
Read the full report below for detailed analysis, contamination sources, and actionable recommendations for Bakersfield residents.
Bakersfield – California – Water Quality Report 2025: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Concerns & Safety across your city
Bakersfield’s water system is managed primarily by California Water Service (Cal Water), which operates the city’s water infrastructure through an operations and maintenance contract established in 1976. Cal Water serves approximately 290,000 residents in Bakersfield through nearly 80,000 service connections, maintaining a complex network of 77 active wells, treatment facilities, and distribution pipelines across Kern County. The system combines advanced water treatment technologies, including membrane filtration for surface water and specialized treatment for groundwater sources where necessary.
Bakersfield draws its drinking water from three primary sources: local groundwater from 77 active wells, surface water from the Kern River treated with advanced membrane filtration, and treated water purchased from the Kern County Water Agency. The Kern River water is processed through a sophisticated five-step treatment system, while groundwater is treated as needed to improve taste and odor. Located in one of California’s most productive agricultural regions, Bakersfield faces ongoing challenges with water quality and supply reliability, particularly during drought periods. The city and Cal Water actively monitor and address potential contaminants through regular testing and infrastructure improvements to maintain compliance with state and federal standards.
Bakersfield Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Compliance Status: Bakersfield’s municipal water supply meets all federal and state drinking water standards, though recent testing has identified multiple contaminants of concern including elevated chromium-6 levels at 587 parts per trillion (30 times higher than cancer-safe levels), arsenic at 2.51 ppb (4 times the national average), and PFAS contamination.
- Lead Levels: Testing for lead in drinking water shows levels below the EPA action level, with Cal Water implementing comprehensive monitoring in homes most likely to have plumbing containing lead.
- PFAS Concerns: Recent testing identified 22 of 77 Cal Water wells potentially impacted by PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), with Cal Water planning treatment system installations to meet new EPA regulations within the required five-year timeframe by 2029.
Diverse Water Sources
- Groundwater: Local groundwater from 77 active wells serves as a primary source, with treatment applied where necessary to improve taste and odor.
- Kern River: Surface water from the Kern River undergoes advanced membrane filtration through a five-barrier treatment process to ensure safety and quality.
- Supplemental Supply: Additional treated water is purchased from the Kern County Water Agency, which manages the Henry C. Garnett Water Purification Plant, particularly during peak demand periods.
Treatment Technology
- Membrane Filtration: Kern River water undergoes a state-of-the-art membrane filtration process that effectively removes contaminants while preserving water quality.
- Multi-Barrier Approach: The five-step treatment includes chemical coagulation to settle contaminants, filtration, and chlorine disinfection to eliminate pathogens before distribution.
- Planned PFAS Treatment: Cal Water is installing granular activated carbon (GAC) systems to remove PFAS from affected wells, with construction scheduled for completion by February 2025.
Monitoring and Testing
- Comprehensive Sampling: In 2023, Cal Water conducted 51,345 tests on 9,327 water samples for 188 constituents across the Bakersfield system to ensure water quality compliance.
- Reporting Requirements: Annual Consumer Confidence Reports detail contaminant levels and compliance with regulatory standards, with all water meeting legal requirements despite elevated levels of certain contaminants.
- Special Monitoring: Enhanced testing for emerging contaminants like PFAS is ongoing, with Bakersfield being proactive in identifying potential water quality concerns ahead of federal requirements.
Water Quality Challenges
Bakersfield faces significant water quality challenges related to its agricultural setting and industrial activities. Major contaminants of concern include extremely high chromium-6 levels (587 ppt – 30 times higher than cancer-safe levels), elevated arsenic at 2.51 ppb, nitrates from agricultural runoff, and 1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP) from soil fumigants. PFAS contamination has emerged as a critical concern, with 22 of 77 wells requiring treatment to meet new federal regulations. The city also contends with high levels of disinfection byproducts including haloacetic acids (26.9 ppb) and trihalomethanes (36.6 ppb) that form when chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic matter. Despite meeting federal standards, these elevated contaminant levels have prompted legal action and increased scrutiny, with Cal Water implementing treatment solutions to address emerging contaminants while ensuring uninterrupted water service to residents.
Recommendations for Bakersfield Residents
Home Water Testing
Contact Cal Water at (661) 837-7200 to request water quality testing for your home, especially if you live in an older property with potential lead plumbing or are concerned about specific contaminants like chromium-6, arsenic, or PFAS.
Install Water Filters
Given the elevated levels of chromium-6, arsenic, and PFAS concerns, consider NSF-certified filters (Standard 53) for drinking and cooking water. For comprehensive protection against PFAS and chromium-6, look for systems using reverse osmosis. For hard water, a water softener may improve appliance longevity.
Conserve Water
Bakersfield’s semi-arid climate makes conservation crucial. Follow local watering restrictions, install water-efficient fixtures, and fix leaks promptly. Consider drought-resistant landscaping to reduce outdoor water use.
Flush Your Pipes
If water has been sitting in pipes for 6+ hours, run cold water for 30-60 seconds before using it for drinking or cooking. This helps flush out any metals or contaminants that may have accumulated in standing water.
Report Water Issues
Contact Cal Water immediately at (661) 837-7200 for water main breaks, unusual odors, discoloration, or taste issues. For emergency after-hours service, call the 24-hour emergency hotline at 1-800-977-2255.
Quality News About Your Water
Get the comprehensive water quality news coverage you need with our dedicated US Water News Service. From coast to coast, we deliver in-depth reporting and expert analysis on PFAS contamination, EPA regulatory changes, infrastructure developments, and emerging water safety issues affecting communities nationwide. While mainstream media only covers the biggest stories, we provide the detailed, ongoing coverage that helps you understand the full scope of America’s water challenges. Whether you’re a concerned citizen, water professional, or community leader, our daily updates and analytical insights keep you informed about the issues that matter most to public health and environmental safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bakersfield’s tap water safe to drink?
Yes, Bakersfield’s tap water meets all federal and state drinking water standards and is considered legally safe to drink. The water undergoes comprehensive treatment including advanced membrane filtration for surface water and specialized treatment for groundwater sources where necessary.
However, significant contaminants including chromium-6 at 587 ppt (30 times higher than cancer-safe levels), arsenic at 2.51 ppb (4 times the national average), PFAS, nitrates, and TCP have been detected at levels that, while below legal limits, may be of serious concern to residents, particularly those with specific health sensitivities. Recent testing identified 22 of 77 wells potentially impacted by PFAS, with Cal Water installing treatment systems to meet new EPA regulations. For added protection, especially given these elevated contaminant levels, residents should strongly consider using certified water filters for drinking and cooking water.
What contaminants are found in Bakersfield’s water?
Bakersfield’s water system contains several contaminants that, while generally below legal limits, are regularly monitored and of significant concern:
1. PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances): Recently identified in 22 of 77 wells, with treatment systems being installed to meet new EPA regulations by 2029
2. Chromium-6 (Hexavalent chromium): Extremely high levels at 587 parts per trillion – 30 times higher than cancer-safe levels
3. Arsenic: 2.51 ppb – nearly 4 times the national average, with some sources showing levels up to 50 ppb
4. 1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP): An organic chemical from soil fumigants historically used in agricultural areas
5. Nitrates: From agricultural fertilizers and runoff, with levels at 1.7 ppm average
6. Disinfection byproducts: Including trihalomethanes (36.6 ppb) and haloacetic acids (26.9 ppb) that form when chlorine reacts with organic matter
Cal Water conducts thousands of tests annually to ensure these contaminants remain below legal limits and is implementing treatment solutions where needed.
How is Bakersfield’s water treated?
Bakersfield utilizes different treatment methods depending on the water source:
• Kern River water undergoes a five-step treatment process:
1. Chemical addition to cause contaminants to settle
2. Slowing water flow to allow particles to settle out
3. Advanced membrane filtration to remove remaining particles
4. Chlorine disinfection to kill any microorganisms
5. Storage in tanks before distribution
• Groundwater is treated as needed to improve taste and odor, with granular activated carbon (GAC) systems being installed for wells affected by PFAS contamination
• Purchased water from Kern County Water Agency is already treated at the Henry C. Garnett Water Purification Plant
Are there water restrictions in Bakersfield?
Yes, Bakersfield maintains ongoing water conservation measures due to its semi-arid climate and recurring drought conditions:
Current Restrictions:
• Outdoor watering is limited to three days per week from March through November, and one day per week from December through February
• Even-numbered addresses may water on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday
• Odd-numbered addresses may water on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
• No watering between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. year-round
• No water runoff allowed onto sidewalks, gutters, or streets
During severe drought conditions, additional restrictions may be implemented. For current information, visit calwater.com or call Cal Water’s Bakersfield District at (661) 837-7200.
Contaminants of Concern
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
Source: Industrial processes, firefighting foam at airports and military bases, and consumer products; recently identified in 22 of 77 Bakersfield wells
Health Effects: Linked to kidney cancer, liver damage, developmental issues, thyroid disease, and immune system effects with long-term exposure
Current Status: Cal Water is installing granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment systems to meet new EPA regulations that limit PFOA and PFOS to 4 parts per trillion, with completion scheduled by February 2025
1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP)
Source: Historical use of soil fumigants in agricultural areas; man-made chemical found in groundwater from past agricultural practices
Health Effects: Probable carcinogen; animal studies show respiratory system damage, liver and kidney issues at high exposure levels
Current Status: Detected in some Bakersfield water samples exceeding MCL, though annual averages meet compliance standards; ongoing monitoring required
Please read – our information
The information presented on cleanairandwater.net is compiled from official water quality reports, trusted news sources, government websites, and public health resources. While we strive for accuracy and thoroughness in our presentations, we are not scientists, engineers, or qualified water quality professionals.
Our mission is to present water quality information in an accessible, real-world format that helps people understand what’s in their water and make informed decisions about their health and safety. We believe that complex environmental information should be available to everyone in a format that’s easy to understand.
We make every effort to ensure our content is current and accurate, but we cannot guarantee that all information is complete or error-free. This website should not replace official communications from your local water utility or health department. We always recommend consulting official sources for the most up-to-date information regarding your specific water system.
Clean Air and Water is not liable for any unintentional errors, omissions, or outdated information. The content on this site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.
