WOONSOCKET WATER DIVISION Lead Service Line Inventory
What you need to know
Woonsocket Water Division serves about 45,828 people in Rhode Island. Like all U.S. water systems, it is required by federal law to maintain an inventory of lead service lines—the pipes that connect the public water main to individual homes.
Current inventory status: The water system has not yet completed a public inventory of lead service lines. This means the utility does not yet have a full count of which homes may have lead pipes.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are a known source of lead in drinking water. The EPA and CDC recommend that anyone with a lead or unknown service line take steps to reduce exposure, particularly if children under age 6 or pregnant women live in the home. Even new homes can have lead solder or brass fixtures that contribute lead.
What Woonsocket Water Division is doing
Federal law requires all water systems to identify lead service lines and develop a plan to replace them. Woonsocket is working to complete its inventory as part of broader national efforts to protect public health.
If you want to know whether your home has a lead service line, you can:
- Contact Woonsocket Water Division directly to ask about your property address
- Hire a plumber to inspect the service line at your home (typically visible in the basement or crawl space)
- Visit your local health department for guidance on testing and mitigation
Reducing lead exposure while you wait
You do not need to wait for the inventory to protect your family. Simple steps include running cold water before drinking or cooking (especially first thing in the morning), using cold water for baby formula, and testing your water if you're concerned. The EPA WaterSense program and your state health department offer free or low-cost testing options.
For health questions, speak with your pediatrician or contact the CDC's lead hotline.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Woonsocket Water Division to ask if your address has a lead service line on file
- Request a free water test through Rhode Island's drinking water program
- If concerned about children's exposure, schedule a conversation with your pediatrician
- Stay informed about the utility's inventory progress by checking their website or calling their main office
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Woonsocket have lead in the water?
Lead enters water primarily through lead service lines and household plumbing, not from the treatment plant itself. Woonsocket Water Division is still completing its inventory of lead service lines, so the full picture is not yet public. Contact the utility directly to learn about your address.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
You can contact Woonsocket Water Division with your address, hire a plumber to inspect, or check your home's foundation or basement for the gray metallic pipe. Lead is soft and leaves a mark if you scratch it with a coin.
Is the water safe to drink right now?
Woonsocket Water Division treats water to safe EPA standards. However, if you have a lead service line or old plumbing, running cold water for 30 seconds before drinking and using cold water for cooking and baby formula are simple precautions.
When will Woonsocket finish its lead service line inventory?
Federal law requires completion, but timelines vary by utility. Contact Woonsocket Water Division directly for their expected completion date and current progress.