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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Water quality scores for 14 cities in Rhode Island
It depends on your utility. 2 of the 14 Rhode Island water systems we grade from EPA records have a health-based violation in the last five years; the state averages 85/100 (2 below the national 87). Lowest graded: Westerly (D). Highest: Providence (A).
Rhode Island's official certified-lab list, when to test well vs city water, typical lab prices, and how to take a first-draw lead sample.
Across the 14 Rhode Island water systems we can grade from EPA records, the average score is 85/100 — 2 points below the U.S. national average of 87/100. 50% of graded Rhode Island cities (7 of 14) score above that national benchmark, and 7 earn a Grade A. 2 cities have at least one health-based EPA violation in the last five years.
The contaminants most commonly flagged in Rhode Island water systems are disinfection byproducts (chlorination), lead (older infrastructure) and nitrates (agricultural areas). See the full breakdown in our Rhode Island water quality rankings or compare against the cities with the best water quality in America.
See the top 20 cities with the cleanest, safest drinking water
Complete water quality rankings for every city in Rhode Island
333,142 residents
73,289 residents
21,664 residents
49,000 residents
47,618 residents
98,130 residents
42,155 residents
94,107 residents
45,828 residents
22,347 residents
27,732 residents
21,235 residents
17,090 residents
35,298 residents
This state's water quality reflects local geographic conditions, industrial activities, and water infrastructure. Water quality can vary significantly between communities, with some areas enjoying excellent tap water while others face contamination challenges requiring treatment.
Across the 14 Rhode Island cities graded from EPA records, the average water quality score is 85/100. 1 city scores below 70 (D or F) because of health-based violations, lead results, PFAS or historical readings near a limit. The highest-rated city is Providence with a score of 99/100, while Westerly has the most room for improvement at 61/100.
1 of the 14 Rhode Island cities we grade score below 70/100. If your city is one of them — or you just want extra protection — a certified filter is the fastest way to reduce exposure. The findings that drag a score down (lead, PFAS, arsenic, nitrate) are exactly the ones a basic carbon pitcher does not remove.
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Water sources typically include a combination of surface water (rivers, lakes, reservoirs) and groundwater. The specific sources serving your community depend on local geography and infrastructure. Check your local water utility's Consumer Confidence Report for details about your water source.
These contaminants have been detected in various Rhode Island water systems
State environmental and health agencies oversee drinking water quality in compliance with federal EPA standards. Public water systems are required to test regularly and report results to residents through annual Consumer Confidence Reports.
Water quality concerns vary by location. Common issues include lead from older plumbing, agricultural runoff in rural areas, and industrial contamination near manufacturing sites. Check your local water quality report and consider testing if you have specific concerns.
Review your annual Consumer Confidence Report to understand local water quality. Consider having your water tested if you use a private well or have concerns about your plumbing. Water filters certified to remove specific contaminants can address most common water quality issues.
Most Rhode Island cities we grade have tap water in good standing with EPA. With an average score of 85/100 across 14 graded cities, Rhode Island generally has good water quality. However, water quality varies by utility, so check your specific city's report.
The most common water quality concerns in Rhode Island include disinfection byproducts (chlorination), lead (older infrastructure), nitrates (agricultural areas). These contaminants can come from natural sources, industrial activities, or aging infrastructure. Review your city's specific report to see which contaminants affect your area.
Whether you need a water filter depends on your specific location and health concerns. With 1 Rhode Island cities grading D or F on EPA records, residents in those areas may benefit from filtration. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Public water systems in Rhode Island are required to provide annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) to residents. You can usually find your report on your water utility's website, request it by phone, or access it through the EPA's database. Our city-level reports above summarize key information from these official sources.
Lead can be present in Rhode Island water, primarily from older plumbing infrastructure. Homes built before 1986 may have lead pipes or lead solder. While water treatment plants remove lead, it can leach into water from service lines and home plumbing. Check your city's specific report for lead testing data, and consider having your tap water tested if you live in an older home.
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water systems across the United States, including in Rhode Island. These chemicals are associated with industrial sites, military bases, and firefighting foam use. The EPA has set new PFAS limits effective 2024. Check individual Rhode Island city reports for PFAS testing results in your area.
On EPA records, Providence has the highest water quality score in Rhode Island at 99/100 (Grade A). However, "best" depends on your specific health concerns. View our Best Water Quality in Rhode Island page for a complete ranking.
Public water systems in Rhode Island are required by the EPA to test water regularly. Testing frequency depends on the contaminant: bacteria testing occurs daily to weekly, while chemical contaminants may be tested quarterly or annually. Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Our site aggregates this data from EPA's SDWIS database.
Compare water quality across counties and find data for your area