Bakersfield – California
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 contaminants that require attention while still remaining below legal limits.
- 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 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.
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 evaluating appropriate technologies (likely reverse osmosis or granular activated carbon) to completely remove PFAS from affected wells.
Monitoring and Testing
- Comprehensive Sampling: Cal Water collects samples from 40 sample sites and 80 wells across Bakersfield daily to test pH, bacteria levels, temperature, and chlorine levels.
- Reporting Requirements: Annual Consumer Confidence Reports detail contaminant levels and compliance with regulatory standards, with all water meeting legal requirements.
- Special Monitoring: Enhanced testing for emerging contaminants like PFAS is ongoing, with Bakersfield being proactive in identifying potential water quality concerns.
Water Quality Challenges
Bakersfield faces several water quality challenges related to its agricultural setting and industrial activities. Contaminants of concern include arsenic, nitrates from agricultural runoff, and 1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP) from soil fumigants. PFAS contamination has recently emerged as a significant concern, with Cal Water identifying 22 wells requiring treatment to meet new federal regulations. The city is also addressing disinfection byproducts that form when chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic matter. Despite these challenges, Bakersfield’s water meets all federal standards, and Cal Water is 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.
Install Water Filters
Consider NSF-certified filters (Standard 53) for drinking and cooking water. For PFAS concerns, look for systems using reverse osmosis or granular activated carbon. 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.
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 safe to drink. The water undergoes comprehensive treatment including advanced membrane filtration for surface water and specialized treatment for groundwater sources where necessary.
However, certain contaminants like PFAS, arsenic, nitrates, and TCP have been detected at levels that, while below legal limits, may be of concern to some residents, particularly those with specific health sensitivities. Recent testing identified 22 wells potentially impacted by PFAS, with Cal Water planning treatment system installations to meet new EPA regulations. For added protection, especially in older homes, residents may 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:
1. PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances): Recently identified in 22 wells, with treatment systems being planned to address new EPA regulations
2. 1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP): An organic chemical from soil fumigants historically used in agricultural areas
3. Arsenic: Naturally occurring in groundwater with some areas showing levels up to 16 parts per billion
4. Nitrates: From agricultural fertilizers and runoff
5. Disinfection byproducts: Including trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids 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 additional treatment planned for wells affected by contaminants like PFAS
• 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, and consumer products; recently identified in 22 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 planning treatment system installations to meet new EPA regulations that limit PFAS to 4 parts per trillion
1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP)
Source: Historical use of soil fumigants in agricultural areas; man-made chemical found in groundwater
Health Effects: Known carcinogen; animal studies show respiratory system damage, liver and kidney issues at high exposure levels
Current Status: Detected in Bakersfield water at levels exceeding health guidelines set by environmental organizations, though within current legal limits
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