Water Quality in Foster, RI: 12 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 48/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Foster's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Looking at EPA compliance data for Foster, RI, the record shows 12 violations — findings that span health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement events tied to local utilities in the SDWIS database.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Foster
Water quality varies across Foster's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02825 | D | 48 | 12 | 4 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Foster, Rhode Island receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 48 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Foster have accumulated 12 EPA violations, including 4 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 76 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Foster's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Foster water systems is 0.0700 mg/L — this exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. 1 ZIP code exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 62% of homes built before 1986, Foster has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Foster is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Foster
Foster is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 76 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Foster. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Foster
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Foster Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Foster's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | No |
| Selenium | Inorganic | 0.05 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Foster. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-07 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-07 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-08-07 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-05-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-08 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-08 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-05-08 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-04-24 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-04-16 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-03-31 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-07.
Foster vs. Nearby Rhode Island Cities
How Foster's water quality compares to similar cities in Rhode Island:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster | D | 12 | 2 | 76 |
| Glendale | B | 1 | 1 | 75 |
| Harrisville | C | 0 | 1 | 75 |
| Mapleville | D | 0 | 1 | 75 |
Common Questions About Foster Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Foster, Rhode Island:
Is Foster water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Foster's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Foster tap water? Foster's water receives a grade of D (48/100). There are 4 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Foster? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Foster vs. Rhode Island Average
Understanding how Foster compares to the broader Rhode Island average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Foster.
ZIP Codes in Foster
Foster spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 02825. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.