Kingston, RI: High Radon Risk — 70/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Tap water monitoring data for Kingston shows a consistently clean picture in RI — few violations on record, compliance well above the median.
How Kingston Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Kingston Residents
- Average lead level: 0.0031 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 70% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.41.
Kingston's Water Providers
Federal drinking water records identify 5 systems in Kingston, RI. The leading 3 providers serve the largest share of residential connections, each operating as a separate entity with its own rate authority, infrastructure management, and EPA compliance obligations — so service conditions are not uniform city-wide.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Kingston, Rhode Island (population ~7,183), covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 52,533 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Kingston — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Kingston: B (70/100)
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
Kingston water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0031 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02881 | B | University of Rhode Island | 19,354 |
All ZIP Codes in Kingston
- 02881 [B]
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.
Kingston 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
Kingston Infrastructure Age
With 70% 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, Kingston is predominantly an older city — a median build year of 1973 puts most of the residential inventory in the range where pre-1986 plumbing materials were the standard.
Over half of homes in Kingston 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 Kingston
In Kingston, property values comfortably outpace what documented remediation typically costs — the equity share is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Kingston are relatively low compared to home values. The $2,400–$4,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 17% above the Rhode Island average.
Kingston: 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 Kingston — 70% 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.
Kingston: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Flood exposure in Kingston is meaningful by NFIP measures — 1 claim on record and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone designations. That level of activity makes flood history a relevant factor when evaluating local water quality over time.
Kingston has a moderate flood history with 1 FEMA claims averaging $43,924 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$3,600</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Kingston, RI