Carolina, RI: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Across water systems in Carolina, EPA data shows a below-average compliance pattern for RI — health-based violations are on file in several areas, and checking the specific system serving your address is a practical first step for concerned residents.
How Carolina Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Carolina Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 50% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.41.
Carolina's Water Providers
Across most of Carolina, RI, residential water comes from a single utility. That provider sets rates, manages infrastructure maintenance, and files compliance reports with the EPA on behalf of the households it serves. Federal tracking data shows 1 system on record, but one carries the bulk of the service load.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Carolina, Rhode Island (population ~1,432), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 2,671 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Carolina — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Carolina: D (40/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Carolina water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Carolina
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02812 | D | RICHMOND, TOWN OF | 2,671 |
All ZIP Codes in Carolina
- 02812 [D]
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Carolina Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Carolina Infrastructure Age
With 50% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Viewed through the lens of construction era, Carolina is predominantly an older city — a median build year of 1984 puts most of the residential inventory in the range where pre-1986 plumbing materials were the standard.
Over half of homes in Carolina were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Carolina
Within the Carolina market, estimated remediation claims a small portion of typical property equity — the financial burden is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Carolina are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 16% above the Rhode Island average.
Carolina: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Practically, the structural drivers in Carolina — 50% pre-rule stock and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory benchmark — make an in-home draw the practical way to translate aggregate averages into the specific conditions at one address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Carolina
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 50% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Carolina, RI