Need septic pumping in Derby Acres? Call (661) 320-8662 and we'll connect you with a local septic provider who serves the small communities along State Route 33 on Kern County's west side. In foothill oil-field country, planned service is easier than an emergency call.
Derby Acres at a glance
Derby Acres is a census-designated place in western Kern County, about 5.5 miles north-northwest of Fellows, at an elevation of about 1,375 feet. The 2020 census counted 301 residents, down from 322 in 2010. The town is on State Route 33 at the northern edge of the Midway-Sunset Oil Field, about five miles southeast of McKittrick.
Living at the edge of the Midway-Sunset field
The Midway-Sunset Oil Field is one of the largest oil fields in the United States, and Derby Acres sits at its northern end. Daily life here is shaped by that setting: oil field roads, work trucks, and a small, close-knit community with long distances to larger towns. For septic owners, two things matter most: protecting the system from heavy traffic, and planning service ahead because of the distance.
Higher ground than the valley floor
At about 1,375 feet, Derby Acres sits well above the valley floor and well above Bakersfield. The ground is foothill terrain, often sloped, with soils that can be rocky or compacted. Slopes change how water moves. Rain is scarce on the west side, but when storms do arrive, water can run downhill toward a drain field. Septic systems on sloped lots work best when runoff is directed around them.
Tips for sloped lots:
- Know whether your drain field is uphill or downhill from the house.
- Keep downspouts and driveway runoff away from the field.
- Watch for wet spots downhill of the field, not just directly over it.
- Avoid cutting into the slope near the system when doing yard work.
Finding the tank in hard ground
Hard, dry soil makes it slow to dig to a buried lid. If no one knows where the tank is, start by checking records and following the sewer line out from the house. Our guide on how to find your septic tank lid covers this. Before any digging, call 811 to have buried utilities marked, which matters even more in areas with pipelines and industrial infrastructure nearby. Once the tank is found, a riser is worth considering so you never have to dig for it again.
Small community, long drive
Derby Acres is a long drive from many service yards in Bakersfield. That can affect scheduling, and travel can be one of the factors in a quote. Calling for routine pumping before trouble starts gives you more flexibility. When you call, mention State Route 33 and the nearest cross street or landmark, and describe the driveway.
Keep the system healthy between visits
- Flush only toilet paper and human waste. See what not to flush.
- Keep grease and food scraps out of the sink.
- Spread laundry out over the week.
- Fix running toilets promptly; they can add a lot of water to the tank.
- Keep vehicles off the tank and drain field.
When to call right away
If sewage backs up into the house, stop using water and call. If you smell sewage outside or see wet ground over the field in dry weather, do not wait for the next scheduled pumping. For more, read signs your septic tank is full.
For permit records or current requirements in unincorporated areas like Derby Acres, contact Kern County Environmental Health.
Pipelines and buried lines
In oil field country, buried pipelines and utilities are common. Call 811 before any digging on your property.
How it works when you call from Derby Acres
Call (661) 320-8662 with your address in Derby Acres, what is going on, and anything you know about the tank. We pass your request to an independent local septic provider who serves your area. The provider confirms timing, explains what the visit includes, and gives you a quote before any work begins. We are a referral line, not a septic company, and providers set their own prices and schedules. Providers commonly handle septic pumping, locating buried lids, inspections for home sales, and repairs such as baffles, lids and drain field problems.
Nearby areas
We also take calls from Fellows, McKittrick, Taft. See all service locations, our septic articles and the septic FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Derby Acres?
On State Route 33 in western Kern County, at the north end of the Midway-Sunset Oil Field, about five miles southeast of McKittrick.
Should I call 811 before digging for my tank?
Yes. Call 811 before any digging so buried utility lines can be marked.
How do slopes affect my drain field?
Runoff from uphill can saturate the field, so direct water around it.
How far is Derby Acres from Taft?
Derby Acres is about 5.5 miles north-northwest of Fellows, which is about 5 miles west-northwest of Taft.