Lead Service Lines in Bakersfield
What you need to know
CWS - Bakersfield serves about 267,881 people in California. Like all US water systems, the utility is required by the EPA to identify and track lead service lines—the pipes that carry water from the street into homes.
The current status: CWS - Bakersfield has not yet publicly reported the results of its lead service line inventory. This doesn't mean there's a problem; it means the utility is still completing the assessment or preparing data for public release. Lead service line inventories are complex undertakings, especially for large systems.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home to the city's main water line buried in the street. If installed before the 1990s, it may contain lead. Lead can leach into drinking water, especially if the water is corrosive or if pipes are old and deteriorating.
Not every home has a lead service line. It depends on when your house was built, the materials available at the time, and local building practices. Many homes have copper, galvanized steel, or plastic pipes instead.
Why this matters
Lead exposure, even at low levels over time, can affect children's development and learning. It can also pose risks to pregnant people and adults. If you're concerned about your household's exposure, talk to your pediatrician or doctor—they can assess your family's risk and, if needed, recommend testing.
How to find out about your home
The best first step is to contact CWS - Bakersfield directly and ask:
- Whether your address has a known lead service line
- What the utility's timeline is for completing its inventory
- Whether they recommend flushing your tap before drinking or cooking
- Where to find the full inventory once it's available
You can also request a water quality report (called a Consumer Confidence Report), which utilities must provide annually.
Next steps for residents
- Contact the utility. Call or email CWS - Bakersfield and ask about your specific address and the lead service line inventory status.
- Ask about water testing. The utility may offer free or low-cost testing for lead in your home's water.
- Check the EPA's toolkit. The EPA's website has guidance on reducing lead exposure at home, including flushing and fixture options.
- Talk to your doctor. If you have young children or are pregnant, discuss lead exposure risks with your healthcare provider.
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Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Contact CWS - Bakersfield directly with your address; they can check their records and inventory. You can also hire a plumber to inspect your pipes, though this costs money. The utility's inventory is the most reliable source.
Is lead in Bakersfield water a big problem?
CWS - Bakersfield hasn't yet released its inventory data, so the full picture isn't clear. Lead risk depends on whether service lines are present and whether the water is corrosive. Contact the utility for current water quality information.
What should I do if I'm worried about lead?
Start by having your water tested (the utility may offer this) and talk to your doctor, especially if you have young children. In the meantime, you can run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking to help flush stagnant water from pipes.
When will the utility replace lead service lines?
CWS - Bakersfield has not yet announced a replacement plan. Ask the utility directly about their timeline and whether they offer cost-sharing or assistance programs for homeowners.