Lead Service Lines at BROWN UNIVERSITY HEALTH-RI HOSPITAL
What You Need to Know
BROWN UNIVERSITY HEALTH-RI HOSPITAL serves approximately 8,040 people in Massachusetts. Like all public water systems, it is required by federal law to identify and track lead service lines—the pipes that connect the main water line in the street to individual buildings.
The status of the lead service line inventory for this system is currently incomplete. No inventory data has been made publicly available yet, which means the utility has not yet published information about how many service lines have been inspected, what materials they're made of, or a timeline for replacement.
What This Means for You
If you receive water from this system, you don't know whether your service line contains lead until the utility completes its inventory. This doesn't automatically mean your water is unsafe—many service lines are not lead, and even if yours is, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure.
Getting Answers From Your Water Utility
Contact BROWN UNIVERSITY HEALTH-RI HOSPITAL directly to ask:
- When will the lead service line inventory be completed?
- How can you find out if your specific service line is lead or galvanized?
- What is the utility's plan and timeline for replacing known lead service lines?
- Are there any interim water quality testing results available?
Your water utility is required to respond to these requests and provide you with information about your property.
What You Can Do Right Now
Even while the inventory is being completed, you can reduce potential lead exposure by running water before drinking it, using cold water for cooking and drinking, and considering a filter certified to remove lead (look for NSF Standard 53). If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your doctor about whether testing your water makes sense for your situation.
The EPA and CDC have additional guidance on lead in drinking water at their websites.
Next Steps for Residents
- Contact your water utility to ask about their inventory timeline and your specific service line
- Learn about certified lead-removing filters if you want extra protection
- If you have health concerns about lead exposure, speak with your doctor or call your local health department
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
How do I know if my water line has lead?
Contact BROWN UNIVERSITY HEALTH-RI HOSPITAL and ask if your address has been inventoried. They should be able to tell you the material of your service line. If it hasn't been inspected yet, ask when it will be.
Is water from BROWN UNIVERSITY HEALTH-RI HOSPITAL safe to drink?
The utility is still inventorying service lines, so a full picture isn't available yet. Most modern service lines are not lead, but until the inventory is complete, you won't know yours. Use cold water for drinking and cooking, and run water for a minute before drinking if the water has been sitting idle.
What should I do if my service line is lead?
Ask your utility about replacement programs and timelines. In the meantime, run cold water before drinking, use cold water for cooking, and consider a filter certified to remove lead (NSF Standard 53). If you're concerned about health effects, contact your doctor.
When will my water utility replace lead pipes?
Contact BROWN UNIVERSITY HEALTH-RI HOSPITAL directly—they should have a replacement plan with target dates. Many systems are replacing lead lines over several years due to cost and logistics.