WESTERLY WATER DEPARTMENT
Lead Service Lines in Westerly, Rhode Island
Westerly Water Department serves approximately 35,298 people in Westerly, Rhode Island. Like water systems across the country, the utility is required by the EPA to identify and track lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main in the street to homes and buildings.
What we know right now
The water system draws from groundwater sources. However, the utility has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in the distribution system. This means the exact number of homes potentially served by lead pipes is currently unknown.
The absence of inventory data doesn't mean there are no lead service lines in Westerly. Many older water systems, especially in the Northeast, have lead service lines from when those pipes were standard. Westerly's water system may well have some, but a comprehensive survey is needed to know for certain.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are the most common source of lead in drinking water. Lead can leach into water, especially in homes with older plumbing or where water is corrosive. Even low-level exposure is a concern, particularly for young children and pregnant people.
What you can do now
If you live in Westerly, you can't assume your home has or doesn't have a lead service line based on public data right now. Your best options are:
- Contact the utility directly at WESTERLY WATER DEPARTMENT to ask whether your address has a known lead service line, or whether they have partial records on file.
- Have your water tested for lead. A simple test kit (available at hardware stores) or a lab test can tell you if lead is present in your tap water. The EPA recommends testing if you live in a home built before 1986.
- Take interim protective steps while waiting for more information: let cold water run for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, use only cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water dissolves lead more readily), and consider a point-of-use filter certified for lead removal.
If the utility receives funding for a lead service line replacement program in the future, they should notify residents. Keep an eye on local water quality notices and the utility's website.
Next steps for residents
- Call Westerly Water Department to ask if they have any records about lead service lines at your address
- Test your tap water for lead if your home was built before 1986
- Learn interim precautions from the CDC's guidance on reducing lead exposure from drinking water
- Monitor local notices from the utility for any future replacement or testing programs
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Westerly Water Department have lead service lines?
The utility has not completed a full inventory, so the exact number is unknown. Many older water systems have lead service lines, but you'll need to contact the utility or test your water to know your home's specific situation.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Contact Westerly Water Department directly to ask—they may have partial records. You can also have your water tested for lead, which will tell you if lead is reaching your tap regardless of pipe material.
Is Westerly tap water safe to drink?
The utility treats water to meet EPA safety standards, but lead service lines can introduce lead after treatment. A water test is the best way to know what's in your specific tap water.
When will Westerly replace lead service lines?
There is no announced replacement plan at this time. Once the utility completes its lead service line inventory, they may develop a replacement schedule; contact them or check their website for updates.