Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Water quality data for 2 cities serving 454,475 residents
Kern County in California has an average water quality score of 68/100 (Grade C+) based on analysis of 2 municipal water systems. The county's water systems serve approximately 454,475 residents.
Water quality in Kern County is fair, with some cities showing room for improvement. 2 cities have scores below 70, indicating elevated contaminant levels that residents should be aware of. Bakersfield has the best water quality at 68/100.
2 cities ranked by water quality score
| Rank | City | Score | Grade | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bakersfield Top concern: Haloacetic Acids (36.9% of limit) | 68 | C+ | 405,783 |
| 2 | Delano Top concern: Haloacetic Acids (51.4% of limit) | 67 | C+ | 48,692 |
Top detected contaminants across county water systems
| Contaminant | Avg Level | Max Level | EPA Limit | % of Limit | Cities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids | 26.5 ug/L | 30.833 ug/L | 60 ug/L | 44.2% | 2 |
| Chromium | 0.033 mg/L | 0.043 mg/L | 0.1 mg/L | 32.6% | 2 |
| Total Trihalomethanes | 23.317 ug/L | 25.84 ug/L | 80 ug/L | 29.1% | 2 |
| Lead | 0.004 mg/L | 0.006 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | 29% | 2 |
| Copper | 0.338 mg/L | 0.422 mg/L | 1.3 mg/L | 26% | 2 |
| Fluoride | 1.041 mg/L | 1.041 mg/L | 4 mg/L | 26% | 1 |
| Nitrate | 2.384 mg/L | 2.464 mg/L | 10 mg/L | 23.8% | 2 |
| Arsenic | 0.002 mg/L | 0.003 mg/L | 0.01 mg/L | 23.5% | 2 |
Recent violations across county water systems
Water quality in Kern County, California reflects the region's unique combination of water sources, treatment infrastructure, and environmental factors. Our comprehensive analysis examines 2 municipal water systems serving a combined population of over 454,475 residents.
The county shows moderate water quality performance, with scores ranging from 67/100 in Delano to 68/100 in Bakersfield. This 1-point spread indicates relatively consistent water quality standards across municipal systems.
The most prevalent contaminants detected across Kern County water systems include Haloacetic Acids, Chromium, Total Trihalomethanes. All monitored contaminants remain within acceptable levels relative to EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs).
Water quality in Kern County is fair but shows room for improvement. Residents in cities scoring below 70 should consider water filtration, particularly for drinking and cooking. Check your specific city's report above for personalized recommendations.
Kern County has an average water quality score of 68/100 (Grade C+) based on analysis of 2 municipal water systems serving 454,475 residents.
Bakersfield has the highest water quality score in Kern County at 68/100. View the detailed report for Bakersfield.
Given the water quality variation across Kern County, we recommend reviewing your specific city's water quality report. 2 cities have scores below 70, where filtration is particularly recommended.
Click on any city in the rankings table above to view its detailed water quality report, including contaminant levels, EPA compliance history, and filter recommendations.