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Lead service lines in Westerly, RI

4 water utilities serve Westerly, with approximately 35,753 people served.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS + utility inventories: 2026-04-14
Known lead
0
Galvanized
0
Unknown
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% unknown
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Lead Service Lines in Westerly, RI

Westerly serves about 35,700 residents through four water systems. The largest is Westerly Water Department, which provides water to roughly 35,300 people.

What we know about lead service lines here

Lead service lines are pipes made of lead that connect the water main in the street to homes. They can leach lead into drinking water, especially in homes built before the 1980s.

Current inventory status: The water utilities serving Westerly have not yet reported how many lead service lines exist in the system, or how many are made of galvanized steel (which can also corrode and release metals). This doesn't mean there are no lead lines—it means the data simply isn't available yet.

Federal law now requires water systems to complete lead service line inventories and share them publicly. Westerly Water Department and the other systems serving the area are working on this. You can check with your utility directly to ask about their timeline.

What to do if you're concerned

Test your water. If your home was built before 1990, or if you're unsure about your service line material, ask your water utility about free or low-cost testing. A simple test can tell you if lead is present in your tap water.

Know your home's age. Homes built before the 1980s are more likely to have lead service lines. If you live in an older home, this is worth investigating—even if your water tests fine today.

Talk to your utility. Contact Westerly Water Department (PWSID: RI1559512) and ask:

  • Does the system have a lead service line inventory yet?
  • Are there any known lead lines in your neighborhood?
  • What testing or replacement programs are available?

Lead removal or replacement is usually the responsibility of the property owner, though some utilities and towns offer financial help.

For health questions

If you have concerns about lead exposure—especially for children under 6 or pregnant women—contact your pediatrician or local health department. The CDC also has detailed guidance on lead in drinking water.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact Westerly Water Department to ask about lead service line inventory status
  • Request a free water test if your home was built before 1990
  • Have your water tested before making any major decisions
  • Ask your water utility about any available replacement or assistance programs

Utilities serving Westerly

Common questions

Does Westerly have lead service lines?

Westerly Water Department has not yet publicly released a complete inventory of lead service lines. Federal law requires water systems to identify and report these lines. Contact your utility directly to ask about their inventory timeline and whether any lead lines have been found in your area.

How do I know if my house has a lead service line?

The metal connecting your house to the street is usually buried, so you can't see it directly. Your water utility may have records, or you can hire a plumber to check. The simplest first step is asking your water department—they may already know based on neighborhood records or age of construction.

Is the water in Westerly safe to drink?

The best way to know is to test your tap water. Westerly Water Department can tell you about free or low-cost testing options. Even if lead is present, simple steps like running cold water before use or installing a filter can reduce exposure while you decide on longer-term solutions.

What should I do if I find out I have a lead service line?

You have options: test your water, use a certified filter, or replace the line (often the most reliable solution). Replacement is usually the homeowner's responsibility, but some programs offer financial assistance. Talk to your water utility about what help may be available in Westerly.