Is North Edwards, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com North Edwards, CA — Water Quality Report
North Edwards's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,462 residents using purchased surface water.
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 164 violations on record, including 119 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about North Edwards's water
North Edwards ranks #614 out of 694 cities in California for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, North Edwards may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 29 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is North Edwards, CA water safe to drink?
North Edwards's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,462 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for North Edwards
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into North Edwards's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for North Edwards's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
North Edwards's water system has 164 total violations on record, including 119 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 29 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 North Edwards's water come from?
North Edwards's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,462 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What North Edwards residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in North Edwards'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.
North Edwards'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
Superfund sites within 10 miles of North Edwards
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE8.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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 North Edwards compares by contaminant
Explore where North Edwards ranks among all California cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where North Edwards's water comes from
North Edwards's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,462 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving North Edwards
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORTH EDWARDS WD | CA1510052 | 1,105 | SWP |
| NORTH MUROC MUTUAL WATER COMPANY | CA1500290 | 270 | SWP |
| AERIAL ACRES WATER COMPANY, INC. | CA1500405 | 87 | GW |
How North Edwards compares
Full California rankings →North Edwards's score of 49/100 is below the average of 57/100 among major California cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View California rankings →About North Edwards, CA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to North Edwards's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kern
Frequently asked questions
Is North Edwards, CA tap water safe to drink?
North Edwards's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #614 out of 694 cities tested in California.
What contaminants are in North Edwards's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 164 violations are on record.
How is North Edwards'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 North Edwards?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does North Edwards's water come from?
North Edwards's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,462 residents.
What health violations has North Edwards's water system had?
North Edwards has 119 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
How does North Edwards's water compare to other cities?
North Edwards ranks #614 out of 694 cities in California (better than 12% of state cities) and #13362 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.