LeadPipeLookup

State overview

Lead service lines in Rhode Island

Aggregated lead pipe inventory data for all 440 public water systems in Rhode Island, serving approximately 1,144,755 residents.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS: 2026-04-14
Water systems
440
Population served
1,144,755
Known lead lines
0
Unknown material
0

Lead Service Lines in Rhode Island

What we know about lead in Rhode Island water

Rhode Island serves about 1.1 million people through 440 water systems. Currently, the state has not reported confirmed lead service lines in its public inventory, though this doesn't mean they don't exist—many water systems nationwide have not yet completed the detailed pipe surveys required by the EPA.

The six largest utilities in Rhode Island serve most of the population: Providence (333,000 people), Pawtucket (98,000), Kent County Water Authority (88,000), Warwick (73,000), and two Narragansett tribal facilities. If you live in one of these service areas, you can contact your utility directly to ask about lead service line inventory status and testing.

Why inventories matter

Since 2021, the EPA has required all water utilities to identify and map their lead and galvanized steel service lines—the pipes that connect the main water line in the street to your home. Lead pipes can leach lead into drinking water, especially in homes with corrosive water or older plumbing. An inventory helps utilities prioritize replacements and informs residents about their risk.

Rhode Island's lack of reported lead lines in the current dataset may reflect that inventories are still being completed across the state. It's worth checking directly with your local utility to learn their specific findings.

If you're concerned about lead in your water

Test your water. Contact your local water utility and ask if they offer free or low-cost testing. Many do. A simple test can tell you whether lead is present in your tap water right now.

Ask about your service line. Call your utility's customer service and ask: Do you know if my home has a lead or galvanized steel service line? What's your timeline for inventory completion? Can I access the results?

Know your options. If testing shows elevated lead, point-of-use filters certified for lead removal (NSF/ANSI Standard 53) can help. For health concerns—especially if you have young children—consult your pediatrician or contact the CDC.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact your water utility with your address and ask for lead service line status and testing availability.
  • Request a water test through your utility or a certified private lab if your utility doesn't offer one.
  • Learn about filter options at NSF.org if testing shows lead.
  • Check the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule resource page for federal guidance and your rights as a water customer.

Largest public water systems in Rhode Island

UtilityPWSIDPopulationKnown leadUnknown
Narragansett Four Winds Community Center010502003———
Narragansett Indian Admin Building010502002———
PROVIDENCE-CITY OFRI1592024333,142——
PAWTUCKET WATER SUPPLY BOARD VEOLIA-NARI159202198,130——
KENT COUNTY WATER AUTHORITYRI155951188,779——
WARWICK-CITY OFRI161562773,289——
BRISTOL COUNTY WATER AUTHORITYRI164751549,000——
EAST PROVIDENCE-CITY OFRI161561047,618——
WOONSOCKET WATER DIVISIONRI155951845,828——
NEWPORT-CITY OFRI159201042,155——
WESTERLY WATER DEPARTMENTRI155951235,298——
NORTH KINGSTOWN TOWN OFRI155951727,732——
VEOLIA WATER WAKEFIELD RHODE ISLAND INCRI161562422,347——
LINCOLN WATER COMMISSIONRI185842321,664——
CUMBERLAND, TOWN OFRI164753021,235——
UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLANDRI185842219,354——
PORTSMOUTH WATER & FIRE DISTRICTRI159202217,090——
QUONSET BUSINESS PARKRI159202513,000——
BLOCK ISLAND WATER COMPANYRI18584309,999——
CNE - NEW LONDON TURNPIKE ENTRY POINTRI29804539,999——
GREENVILLE WATER DISTRICTRI18584109,500——
SMITHFIELD WATER SUPPLY BOARDRI16156169,460——
NORTH TIVERTON FIRE DISTRICTRI15920188,969——
NARRAGANSETT WATER SYSTEM-POINT JUDITHRI18584288,210——
NAVAL STATION, NEWPORTRI10000167,870——

Cities in Rhode Island

More on lead pipes in Rhode Island

Frequently asked about lead pipes in Rhode Island

Does Rhode Island have lead pipes?

Rhode Island's current public inventory shows no confirmed lead service lines reported, but this reflects incomplete surveys across the state. Many utilities are still conducting detailed pipe inventories. Contact your local water utility to learn whether they've identified lead pipes in your service area.

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

Ask your water utility directly—they are required to have or be developing an inventory of service lines. You can also request a water test, which will show if lead is currently entering your home. The utility can often tell you the pipe material if they have records for your address.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island's water systems are regulated and tested regularly. However, lead risk depends on your specific pipes and water chemistry. If you're concerned, request a free or low-cost test from your utility—this is the most direct way to know if lead is present in your home.

What should I do if my water tests positive for lead?

Use bottled water for drinking and cooking until you can address the problem. Install a point-of-use filter certified for lead removal, or contact your utility about service line replacement programs. For health advice, especially if you have young children, speak with your pediatrician or call the CDC hotline.