Water hardness / Bakersfield
Is Bakersfield water hard? In many areas, yes.
In many areas, yes. Bakersfield tap water measures 7.5 to 620 mg/L of hardness as calcium carbonate, which is soft to very hard on the USGS scale. It is the range California Water Service for the City of Bakersfield Domestic Water System publishes in its City of Bakersfield's 2024 Water Quality Report, which gives no average. California Water Service publishes separate figures for groundwater, surface water and Kern County Water Agency water; a specific address can receive a different blend.
Where Bakersfield sits on the scale.
Bakersfield's published range is 7.5 to 620 mg/L. On the USGS scale, that is soft to very hard.
0–60Moderate
61–120Hard
121–180Very hard
180+
What it means for curly hair
Calcium and magnesium from hard water settle on the hair. Lab work shows hair takes up a limited amount of these minerals, and damaged or bleached hair takes up more than healthy hair (Evans, Marsh and Wickett, 2011).
The evidence on breakage is mixed: two small studies found lower strength after repeated hard-water rinses (Luqman et al., 2016 and 2018), while an earlier one found no clear difference (Srinivasan et al., 2013). So hard water is a likely factor, not a proven cause.
Hard water is a plausible factor, not a proven cause of breakage. Sudden shedding, itching, flaking or scalp pain needs a dermatologist, not a chelating routine.
Change less. Learn more.
What to try
Use a chelating shampoo (look for disodium EDTA, tetrasodium EDTA or sodium phytate in the ingredients) about once a month as a starting point, and follow with conditioner.
Change one thing at a time and judge it after two or three wash days, not after one.
If your hair is bleached or color-treated, go slower: chelating can feel drying.
What to avoid
Do not clarify or chelate every wash: it strips more than minerals.
Do not blame the water for sudden shedding, itching, flaking or scalp pain. That is a reason to see a dermatologist.
Every number keeps its source.
Total hardness: groundwater 7.5–620 ppm (average 92); surface water 38–59 (average 45); Kern County Water Agency water 35.5–117 (average 61.9).. Classified with the US Geological Survey bands (soft 0 to 60, moderately hard 61 to 120, hard 121 to 180, very hard above 180 mg/L). Period: 2016–2024. Checked against the source on 2026-10-20. Rizzado did not measure this water.
The California Water Service for the City of Bakersfield Domestic Water System report is public: City of Bakersfield's 2024 Water Quality Report. Hardness can vary by area and season, and private wells or buildings with their own treatment can differ. If you want your exact value, ask the utility for your address.
Sources
- City of Bakersfield's 2024 Water Quality Report
- Evans, A. O., Marsh, J. M., Wickett, R. R. (2011). The uptake of water hardness metals by human hair. Journal of Cosmetic Science, 62(4), 383-391.
- Luqman, M. W. et al. (2016). Effect of topical application of hard water in weakening of hair in men. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 66(9), 1132-1136.
- Luqman, M. W. et al. (2018). To evaluate and compare changes in baseline strength of hairs after treating them with deionized water and hard water. International Journal of Trichology, 10(3), 113-117.
- Srinivasan, G., Srinivas, C. R., Mathew, A. C., Duraiswami, D. (2013). Effects of hard water on hair. International Journal of Trichology.
- U.S. Geological Survey. Hardness of water.
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RIZZADO
Your water is one part of the picture.
Rizzado uses your city's water hardness, when there is a primary source, to adjust your routine. If your city is not here, it treats the value as unknown.
