C40/100
Bakersfield Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 128,995 residents · California
What's In Bakersfield's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 320.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
6
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
5
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Failed to issue ongoing public notification
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 1, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2024 – March 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2024 – March 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: July 1, 2023 – September 30, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
LERDO SHERIFF S FACILITY
Population Served
2,800
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA1502320
OILDALE MWC
Population Served
44,899
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
CA1510015
VAUGHN WC INC
Population Served
37,189
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA1510029
EAST NILES CSD
Population Served
32,517
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
CA1510006
GREENFIELD COUNTY WD
Population Served
11,590
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
CA1510024
Frequently Asked Questions About Bakersfield Water
Is Bakersfield tap water safe to drink?
Bakersfield, California tap water receives a grade of C (40/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 108 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Bakersfield's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Bakersfield's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Bakersfield have any water quality violations?
Yes, Bakersfield has 108 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include TT, RPT, MR. 75 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Bakersfield?
Bakersfield water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 2 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Bakersfield's tap water come from?
Bakersfield's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by LERDO SHERIFF S FACILITY and 4 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 128,995 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Bakersfield's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Bakersfield's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Bakersfield's water compare to other cities in California?
Bakersfield's water quality score of 40/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our California state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Bakersfield's water quality?
If you have concerns about Bakersfield's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (LERDO SHERIFF S FACILITY) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.