Bakersfield's water has hard water (132 PPM) and elevated nitrates (6 mg/L). Read below for a full breakdown.
California Water Service · Source: Kern River, groundwater · Serves 403,455 residents
132
Hardness (PPM)
221
TDS (PPM)
1.1
Chlorine (mg/L)
3
PFAS (ppt)
2
Lead (ppb)
Hardness Scale: Where Bakersfield Falls
Soft 060120180250400+
Hard waterNitratesArsenic
Agriculture-driven nitrates and hard water from Central Valley geology.
What Bakersfield's Water Means for Your Home
Bakersfield's water is hard at 132 PPM. This level of hardness causes gradual scale accumulation on plumbing fixtures, inside water heaters, and on dishware. While not as aggressive as cities in the 200+ PPM range, homeowners who install a water softener or salt-free conditioner typically notice improved soap lathering, cleaner dishes, and longer appliance lifespans.
Beyond hardness, Bakersfield's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 1.1 mg/L as a disinfectant residual, which is normal for municipal water systems. If you notice a pool-like taste or experience dry skin, a whole-house carbon filter is the most common and affordable solution. For homeowners who want to understand the full picture, requesting your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report provides neighborhood-level data.
Contaminant
Detected
Health Guideline
Legal Limit
Status
Hardness (as CaCO₃)
132 PPM
< 60 PPM
No federal limit
⚠ Hard
Total Dissolved Solids
221 PPM
< 300 PPM
500 PPM
✓ OK
PFAS (total)
3 ppt
4 ppt (EPA)
4 ppt (2024)
✓ OK
Lead
2 ppb
0 ppb (no safe level)
15 ppb (action level)
✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine
1.1 mg/L
Taste threshold ~1.0
4.0 mg/L
✓ Normal
Nitrate
6 mg/L
5 mg/L
10 mg/L
⚠ Elevated
Recommendations for Bakersfield Homes
💧Water Softener or Conditioner
At 132 PPM, Bakersfield's water is hard. You will see gradual scale buildup on fixtures and inside water heaters. A salt-based softener removes hardness completely, while a salt-free conditioner prevents scale without removing the minerals. Your choice depends on whether you want soft-feeling water or just scale prevention.
Nitrate measured at 6 mg/L, above the health guideline of 5 mg/L. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants under 6 months (blue baby syndrome). A point-of-use reverse osmosis system under your kitchen sink is the most effective nitrate removal method for drinking and cooking water.
Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by California Water Service. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bakersfield Water
Is Bakersfield tap water safe to drink?
Bakersfield's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
Do I need a water softener in Bakersfield?
It is worth considering. At 132 PPM, Bakersfield's water is hard. You will notice gradual scale buildup in pipes and on fixtures over time. A salt-based softener extends appliance life and improves soap efficiency. A salt-free conditioner is a lower-maintenance alternative if you primarily want to prevent scale.
What water filter is best for Bakersfield?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Bakersfield's water come from?
Bakersfield's drinking water is sourced from Kern River, groundwater and treated by California Water Service. Agriculture-driven nitrates and hard water from Central Valley geology..
What is the hardness of Bakersfield water in grains per gallon?
Bakersfield's water hardness is 7.7 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 132 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as hard. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Bakersfield water damage tankless water heaters?
Yes. Most tankless water heater manufacturers recommend water hardness below 7 to 11 GPG (120 to 188 PPM). At 7.7 GPG, Bakersfield's water exceeds this threshold. Scale buildup inside the heat exchanger reduces efficiency and can void the manufacturer's warranty. A water softener installed upstream of the tankless heater is the standard solution.
Is Bakersfield water safe for babies and infants?
Caution is warranted. Nitrate levels in Bakersfield are 6 mg/L, which is above the health guideline of 5 mg/L. Nitrate can cause methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome) in infants under 6 months. If you have an infant, use a reverse osmosis filter or bottled water for formula preparation until nitrate levels are confirmed below 5 mg/L.
How much does hard water cost a Bakersfield household per year?
At 132 PPM, hard water costs the average Bakersfield household an estimated $800 to $1,200 per year in hidden costs. This includes 15 to 25 percent higher water heating bills from scale insulation, 50 to 75 percent more soap and detergent usage, shorter appliance lifespans (water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines), and increased plumbing maintenance. A water softener typically costs $600 to $1,500 installed and $50 to $100 per year in salt, which means most Bakersfield households see a return on investment within 1 to 2 years.
Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the California Water Service Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.