BAKERSFIELD, CITY OF Lead Service Line Inventory
What You Need to Know
The City of Bakersfield serves about 160,000 people in Kern County, California. Like all U.S. water systems, Bakersfield is required to identify and report on lead service lines—the pipes that may connect your home to the water main.
Status: Bakersfield has not yet completed a public lead service line inventory. This means the utility has not yet published a list showing which neighborhoods or addresses have lead service lines, or how many exist in the system.
This is not unusual. Many water systems across the country are still in the process of locating and cataloging these pipes, which can be difficult and time-consuming work. However, it does mean you don't currently have access to a detailed public record from your utility.
What You Can Do Now
Contact your water utility directly. Call or email the City of Bakersfield's water department to ask:
- Whether lead service lines exist in your neighborhood or on your property
- What testing results they have (if any) for lead in drinking water
- Whether your home has been tested or sampled
- What timeline they're working toward for completing their inventory
Test your water. Even if your utility hasn't finished its inventory, you can arrange a free or low-cost lead test through your local health department or request a test from your utility. Lead in water is only a concern if it's present—testing tells you if your water is safe.
Know the symptoms. Lead exposure can affect children's development. If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO for guidance on reducing exposure risk.
Federal Requirements
All public water systems must develop and maintain a lead service line inventory by October 2024. Bakersfield is required to make this information public once it's complete. Check back with your utility or this page for updates as the inventory becomes available.
Next Steps for Residents
- Contact the City of Bakersfield Water Department to ask about lead service lines in your area and water testing results
- Request a water test if you want to know whether lead is present in your drinking water
- Talk to your pediatrician if you have children under 6 years old, as they are most vulnerable to lead exposure
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Bakersfield have lead in the water?
You can't know without testing. The city hasn't published a complete lead service line inventory yet. Contact Bakersfield Water Department to ask about test results for your area or request a free test of your water.
How do I know if I have a lead service line?
Call your water utility and describe your home's age and location. They may have records. You can also have a plumber inspect the pipe where it enters your home—lead pipes are soft and dull gray when scratched.
Is lead service line water safe to drink?
Lead in water is only a health concern if it's actually present. Testing is the only way to know. If lead is detected, the utility or a plumber can advise on filters or replacement options.
When will Bakersfield finish its lead inventory?
Federal law requires completion by October 2024. Check with the City of Bakersfield Water Department or this page for updates on their timeline and when results will be public.