Water Quality in North Kingstown, RI: 11 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 54/100 · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
North Kingstown's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Federal EPA data for North Kingstown, RI shows 11 water compliance events in the record — the table below identifies system names and violation types.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in North Kingstown
Water quality varies across North Kingstown's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02852 | D | 54 | 11 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
North Kingstown, Rhode Island receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 54 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 4 water systems serving North Kingstown have accumulated 11 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 28,074 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. North Kingstown'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 North Kingstown water systems is 0.0006 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 75% of homes built before 1986, North Kingstown 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
North Kingstown is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving North Kingstown
North Kingstown is served by 4 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 28,074 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 North Kingstown. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in North Kingstown
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 North Kingstown Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across North Kingstown's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 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 North Kingstown. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-06-30 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-30 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-06-30 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-05-17 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-11-13 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-11-13 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-10-18 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-07-29 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-07-29 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-05-06 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-06-30.
North Kingstown vs. Nearby Rhode Island Cities
How North Kingstown's water quality compares to similar cities in Rhode Island:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Kingstown | D | 11 | 4 | 28,074 |
| Wakefield | C | 12 | 4 | 29,361 |
| Peace Dale | D | 0 | 1 | 22,347 |
| Lincoln | B | 1 | 1 | 21,664 |
Common Questions About North Kingstown Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in North Kingstown, Rhode Island:
Is North Kingstown water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. North Kingstown's 4 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink North Kingstown tap water? North Kingstown's water receives a grade of D (54/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for North Kingstown? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
North Kingstown vs. Rhode Island Average
Understanding how North Kingstown 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 North Kingstown.
ZIP Codes in North Kingstown
North Kingstown spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 02852. 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.