Is Inyokern, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Inyokern, CA — Water Quality Report
Inyokern's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 1,608 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 187 violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 34 remain unresolved.
What to know about Inyokern's water
Inyokern ranks #635 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Inyokern relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Inyokern may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 78 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Inyokern, CA water safe to drink?
Inyokern's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 1,608 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Inyokern
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Inyokern's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4750). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Inyokern's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Inyokern's water system has 187 total violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 34 remain unresolved. 78 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Kern County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1967. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Inyokern's water come from?
Inyokern's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 10 water systems serving approximately 1,608 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Inyokern residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Inyokern's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Inyokern's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Inyokern
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Inyokern, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
U.S. DOD NAWS CHINA LAKE CHINA LAKE, CA935556108 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Kern County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1967. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Inyokern's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 1.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.60 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.600 mg/L (2023)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Inyokern compares by contaminant
Explore where Inyokern ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Inyokern's water comes from
Inyokern's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,608 people through 10 water systems.
Water systems serving Inyokern
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| INYOKERN CSD | CA1510036 | 878 | GW |
| CHINA LAKE ACRES MUTUAL WATER COMPANY | CA1500563 | 198 | GW |
| SIERRA BREEZE MUTUAL WATER COMPANY | CA1500447 | 150 | GW |
| EAST INYOKERN MUTUAL WATER | CA1500554 | 87 | GW |
| OWENS PEAK WEST | CA1502608 | 79 | GW |
| WEST VALLEY MUTUAL WATER COMPANY | CA1500550 | 70 | GW |
| SWEET WATER CO-OP | CA1500591 | 47 | GW |
| 148 EAST WATER SYSTEM | CA1503684 | 36 | GW |
| LIFE WATER CO-OP | CA1500579 | 35 | GW |
| SOUTH DESERT MUTUAL WATER COMPANY | CA1502619 | 28 | GW |
How Inyokern compares
Full California rankings →Inyokern's score of 46/100 is below the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Inyokern, CA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Inyokern's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kern
Frequently asked questions
Is Inyokern, CA tap water safe to drink?
Inyokern's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #635 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Inyokern's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 187 violations are on record.
How is Inyokern's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Inyokern?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Inyokern's water come from?
Inyokern's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 10 water systems serving approximately 1,608 residents.
What health violations has Inyokern's water system had?
Inyokern has 21 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 34 violations remain unresolved.
Is Inyokern's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Inyokern uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 187 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Inyokern's water compare to other cities?
Inyokern ranks #635 out of 694 cities in California (better than 9% of state cities) and #14040 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.