SOUTH KINGSTOWN-SOUTH SHORE Water System Lead Service Line Inventory
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home's water meter to the main water line under the street. If your home was built or connected before 1986, there's a chance this pipe is made of lead. Even if the pipe itself isn't lead, it may have lead solder or brass fittings that can leach lead into your drinking water.
What does this water system know about lead pipes?
SOUTH KINGSTOWN-SOUTH SHORE serves about 6,170 people in Rhode Island and draws water from groundwater sources. As of now, the system has not yet completed an inventory of which homes have lead service lines. This doesn't mean there's no lead present—it means the mapping work is still ahead.
Under federal law, water systems are required to identify and report on lead service lines in their distribution systems. This process takes time, especially for systems that haven't done detailed historical records searches or field surveys yet.
Why does this matter?
Lead can accumulate in your body over time and is especially harmful to children under 6 and pregnant people. The CDC advises that there is no safe level of lead in drinking water. If your home was built before 1986, the risk is higher—but the only way to know for sure is to test your water or have a plumber check your service line.
What should I do?
Don't wait for a complete system inventory. You can take action now:
- Test your water. You can buy a lead testing kit online or contact your state health department for low-cost options. Results typically come back in a few days.
- Check your plumbing. A licensed plumber can inspect your service line and tell you if it's lead. This usually costs $100–300.
- Use filtered water for drinking and cooking. NSF-certified filters marked "lead" are effective while you investigate further.
- Contact SOUTH KINGSTOWN-SOUTH SHORE directly. Ask about their timeline for completing the lead service line inventory and whether your address has been flagged for inspection.
Next steps for residents
- Call your water utility to ask about lead service line testing in your area and request information about your home.
- Have your water tested by a certified lab—don't rely on visual inspection alone.
- If you have young children or are pregnant, consult your pediatrician or OB-GYN about lead exposure risks in your home.
- Visit the CDC's lead in drinking water page for evidence-based guidance.
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Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does SOUTH KINGSTOWN-SOUTH SHORE have lead service lines?
The system has not yet completed an inventory, so the full picture is unknown. However, homes built before 1986 are at higher risk. Contact the utility or test your water to know your home's status.
How do I know if my water has lead?
The only reliable way is to test it. You can buy a kit online or ask your water utility for recommended labs. Visual inspection doesn't work—lead isn't visible or taste.
Is lead in water dangerous for kids?
Yes. Lead can harm brain development and learning in young children. Talk to your pediatrician if you're concerned, and consider testing your water if your home is older.
Can I remove lead from my tap water?
Yes. NSF-certified filters marked for lead removal work well for drinking and cooking water. Boiling does not remove lead.