PORTSMOUTH WATER & FIRE DISTRICT Lead Service Line Inventory
What You Need to Know
Portsmouth Water & Fire District serves approximately 17,090 people in Rhode Island. Like all US water systems, the district is required by federal law to identify and publicly report lead service lines—the pipes that connect water mains to individual homes.
Current status: The district has not yet published a lead service line inventory. This does not mean your home is lead-free; it means the inventory process is still underway or pending disclosure.
Why This Matters
Lead service lines can leach lead into drinking water, especially in homes with acidic water or after water sits unused in pipes overnight. Even small amounts of lead exposure can affect children's learning and development. If you're concerned about your family's health, contact your doctor or pediatrician—they can discuss testing and next steps based on your situation.
What the District Should Tell You
Federal rules require water systems to:
- Identify every service line material (lead, galvanized steel, copper, plastic, etc.)
- Share results with customers and the public
- Develop a plan to replace lead lines over time
When Portsmouth Water & Fire District publishes its inventory, it will show how many lead, galvanized, and unknown lines serve the district.
What You Can Do Now
Contact the district directly to ask:
- Is your service line lead, galvanized, or another material?
- When will the full inventory be available to the public?
- What replacement or testing programs exist?
You can also test your water at home using an affordable lead test kit, or request free or low-cost testing through your local health department or the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.
Next Steps for Residents
- Call or email Portsmouth Water & Fire District to ask about your specific service line material
- Request water testing if you're concerned about lead levels in your home
- Check back on this page for updates when the inventory is published
- Contact your pediatrician if you have health concerns about lead exposure
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Portsmouth Water & Fire District have lead in the water?
The district hasn't yet published its lead service line inventory, so a full picture isn't available. Whether your home is affected depends on your individual service line material. Contact the district to ask about your specific line.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Contact Portsmouth Water & Fire District and ask them to identify your service line material. You can also have a licensed plumber inspect it, or request a water test through your local health department.
Is lead in water dangerous for kids?
Yes—even low levels of lead can affect children's development and learning. Talk to your pediatrician about testing and next steps for your family. For more information, visit the CDC website.
When will Portsmouth Water & Fire District replace lead pipes?
The district hasn't yet published a replacement timeline. Contact them directly to ask about their schedule and whether assistance programs are available for homeowners.