Is Lost Hills, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.7/100
waterverge.com Lost Hills, CA — Water Quality Report
Lost Hills's drinking water received a grade of A (90.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,370 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 31 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lost Hills's water
Lost Hills ranks #123 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Lost Hills 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, Lost Hills may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lost Hills, CA water safe to drink?
Lost Hills's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,370 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lost Hills
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lost Hills's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4750). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3592). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lost Hills's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lost Hills's water system has 31 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 1 violation was 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 Lost Hills's water come from?
Lost Hills's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,370 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Lost Hills residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lost Hills'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.
Lost Hills'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
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.
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lost Hills compares by contaminant
Explore where Lost Hills ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lost Hills's water comes from
Lost Hills'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 private ownership and serves approximately 2,370 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Lost Hills
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOST HILLS UTILITY DISTRICT | CA1510046 | 2,370 | GW |
How Lost Hills compares
Full California rankings →Lost Hills's score of 90.7/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About Lost Hills, CA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lost Hills's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kern
Frequently asked questions
Is Lost Hills, CA tap water safe to drink?
Lost Hills's water quality earned a grade of A (90.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #123 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in Lost Hills's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 31 violations are on record.
How is Lost Hills'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 Lost Hills?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lost Hills's water come from?
Lost Hills's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,370 residents.
What health violations has Lost Hills's water system had?
Lost Hills has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lost Hills's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lost Hills 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 31 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 Lost Hills's water compare to other cities?
Lost Hills ranks #123 out of 694 cities in California (better than 82% of state cities) and #2080 out of 15744 cities nationally (87th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Lost Hills's small water system affect quality?
Lost Hills's system serves approximately 2,370 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 31 violations on record.