Kern County groundwater contains arsenic, radon, trichloropropane, boron, chloride, fluoride, lead, manganese, nitrate, uranium, and other contaminants at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning levels that well owners need to address.
The Central Valley aquifer system here sits above rocks and soil that naturally contain arsenic, uranium, and radon. Agricultural activity and industrial use have added nitrate, chloride, and synthetic chemicals like trichloropropane to the water. Urban and industrial areas contribute lead and other pollutants that seep downward into the aquifer.
Groundwater in this county is hard, with elevated calcium and magnesium from the surrounding rock and sediment. High sodium and sulfate levels add to the mineral load, which comes from natural rock dissolution and from saltwater intrusion in some areas. These mineral characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Kern County commonly contain arsenic, boron, chloride, fluoride, lead, manganese, nitrate, nitrite, PFOA, PFOS, radon, sulfate, trichloropropane, and uranium at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic, uranium, and radon are linked to cancer risk. Lead damages children's brains and kidneys. Nitrate and nitrite harm infants and can affect how the body uses oxygen. Manganese affects the nervous system. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that build up in your body over time and may weaken your immune system.
County well water is also hard and contains elevated sodium and sulfate. Hard water leaves crusty scale on faucets and fixtures and makes it difficult to get soap to lather. This hardness can reduce how long water heaters and dishwashers last. You may notice a salty taste in your water from the sodium content.
We recommend a comprehensive water test to learn what is actually in your well--every well is different, and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Depending on test results, treatment options like reverse osmosis, activated carbon filters, or ion exchange systems can address multiple contaminants.
Not sure if your well is affected? Get certified results in 5–7 days.
Test Your Well Water with Tap Score →| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | 810 | 32% | High | High | |
| Radon | 96 | 27% | Moderate | High ⓘ | |
| 1,2,3-Trichloropropane | 42 | 26% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 1296 | 21% | High | High | |
| Sulfate | 2940 | 19% | High | High | |
| Uranium | 376 | 18% | High | High | |
| Chloride | 3125 | 18% | High | High | |
| Iron | 1942 | 9% | High | Moderate | |
| Boron | 37 | 8% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 462 | 5% | High | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 2181 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Fluoride | 2560 | 2% | High | Low | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 462 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 670 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 449 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 462 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 462 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Chromium (total) | 39 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 461 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| Perchlorate | 41 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Tds | 37 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 29* | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 462 | — | High | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 29* | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 3036 | — | High | Low | |
| Hardness | 3072 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 2931 | — | High | Low |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA limit for public water; used as benchmark for private wells). Distribution shows % of sampled wells in each concentration band. Methodology.
* Microbial contaminants (E. coli, coliform) reflect only samples from the last 10 years.
Data shows potential risk — a certified test confirms whether your water is affected.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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