Rural residents in parts of Kern County who rely on domestic wells for their water can now access a new program offering free well testing and bottled water delivery, thanks to the Kern Water Collaborative (KWC).

KWC launched the program on February 27 to support communities north of the Kern River and outside of public water system coverage, including Buttonwillow, Wasco, Lost Hills, Delano, McFarland, Shafter, Rosedale, and others in the Poso and Westside South Groundwater Subbasins. Many residents in these areas depend on private wells and may not realize their water contains nitrate levels above safe drinking standards.

“This program ensures access to safe, clean drinking water for the residents of these rural communities,” said Nicole Bell, Executive Director of Kern Water Collaborative. “Domestic well testing helps residents understand their water quality, and KWC will provide safe and clean drinking water solutions if needed.”

As part of the initiative, KWC partnered with Primo Water to run the Bottled Water Delivery Program. Households that qualify and receive test results showing high nitrate levels will receive deliveries of 5-gallon water bottles along with a hand pump. KWC will cover all costs for the water and delivery.

To apply, residents must complete a short Household Qualification Survey at welltest.kwcmz.org. Once KWC confirms eligibility, they will send a Well Test Access Agreement for the applicant to sign so testing can begin. If the test shows unsafe nitrate levels, KWC will provide a Bottled Water Delivery Agreement to start free water delivery.

The application process is simple and is now open to the public. KWC encourages all domestic well users in eligible areas to apply as soon as possible.

For more information or help applying, residents can visit www.kwcmz.org or contact Nicole Bell at nicole@kwcmz.org.