Kern County, CA Lead Risk: Housing & Water

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Lead Risk Overview

The average 90th percentile lead level across Kern County is 0.0036 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L). 1 ZIP codes exceed the EPA limit out of 55 monitored.

Approximately 0% of housing in Kern County was built before 1986, when lead solder was banned in plumbing. Older homes have higher risk of lead contamination from pipes, solder joints, and fixtures.

Cities with Highest Lead Levels

EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L. ⚠ indicates values exceeding this threshold.

Federal Lead Pipe Replacement Funding

California receives $28.6M in federal LCRI funding (FY2025) for lead service line inventory and replacement. 49% is available as grants or loan forgiveness.

Why Lead in Water Matters

Lead is a neurotoxin with no safe level of exposure, according to the CDC. Children under 6 are most vulnerable — even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems. Adults exposed to lead may experience high blood pressure, kidney damage, and reproductive issues.

Lead typically enters drinking water through corrosion of lead pipes, solder, and fixtures — not from the water source itself. This means even water systems with clean source water can deliver lead-contaminated water to homes with older plumbing.

EPA Lead and Copper Rule

Under the EPA Lead and Copper Rule, water systems must test tap water at customer homes. If more than 10% of samples exceed 15 ppb (0.015 mg/L), the system must take corrective action including corrosion control treatment, public education, and potentially lead service line replacement.

The 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) require all water systems to inventory their lead service lines and replace them within 10 years. This will significantly impact water systems across Kern County.

How to Test for Lead in Kern County

1. Contact your water utility for free or low-cost lead testing

2. Certified home test kits — $20-$50 at hardware stores

3. Professional lab test — $150-$400 for comprehensive metals panel

4. Run cold water for 30+ seconds before drinking if pipes are older — lead accumulates in standing water

5. Check your service line — contact your utility to find out if your home has a lead service line

Reducing Lead Exposure

If lead is detected in your water, several steps can reduce exposure:

• Flush pipes — run cold water for 1-2 minutes before using for drinking or cooking, especially after overnight

• Use cold water for cooking and baby formula — hot water dissolves more lead from pipes

• Install a certified filter — NSF/ANSI 53 or NSF/ANSI 58 certified filters can remove lead

• Replace lead fixtures — older faucets and valves may contain lead even if pipes don't

Schools and Childcare Facilities

Schools and childcare centers in Kern County are required to test drinking water for lead under most state regulations. Many older school buildings have outdated plumbing that can leach lead. Parents should request water testing results from their children's schools and advocate for remediation if levels exceed EPA guidelines.

The EPA recommends that schools take action when lead levels exceed 5 ppb — a stricter threshold than the 15 ppb action level for community water systems.

Data Sources

• Lead levels: EPA Lead and Copper Rule
• Blood lead: CDC Childhood Blood Lead Surveillance
• Housing age: U.S. Census Bureau ACS
• LCRI funding: EPA Lead and Copper Rule Improvements

Updated daily.

Should you test your water for lead?

Lead comes from your home's plumbing, not the treatment plant. If your home was built before 1986, the EPA recommends testing — especially if you have young children.