Water Quality in Providence, RI: 84 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 63/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Providence's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Looking at EPA compliance data for Providence, RI, the record shows 84 violations — findings that span health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement events tied to local utilities in the SDWIS database.
Water Quality Map: Providence, RI
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Providence
Water quality varies across Providence's 12 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02904 | D | 54 | 7 | 2 | View report → |
| 02905 | C | 59 | 7 | 2 | View report → |
| 02909 | C | 59 | 7 | 2 | View report → |
| 02903 | C | 64 | 7 | 2 | View report → |
| 02906 | C | 64 | 7 | 2 | View report → |
| 02907 | C | 64 | 7 | 2 | View report → |
| 02908 | C | 64 | 7 | 2 | View report → |
| 02901 | C | 65 | 7 | 2 | View report → |
| 02912 | C | 65 | 7 | 2 | View report → |
| 02918 | C | 65 | 7 | 2 | View report → |
| 02902 | C | 69 | 7 | 2 | View report → |
| 02940 | C | 69 | 7 | 2 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Providence.
Water Quality Overview
Providence, Rhode Island receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 63 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Providence have accumulated 84 EPA violations, including 24 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 12 ZIP codes serving approximately 334,508 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Providence's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Providence water systems is 0.0100 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 89% of homes built before 1986, Providence 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
Providence is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Providence
Providence is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 334,508 people across 12 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 120 enforcement actions against water systems serving Providence. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Providence
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 Providence Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Providence's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 24 | 12 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 24 | 12 | Yes |
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 mg/L | 12 | 12 | No |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 12 | 12 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 12 | 12 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Providence:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 12 | 12 |
| 2022 | 12 | 12 |
Violation counts have remained stable over the observed period.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Providence. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-04-17 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-02 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-04-02 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-02 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-02-17 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-02-17 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-23 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-08-08 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-08-08 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-07-30 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-04-17.
Providence vs. Nearby Rhode Island Cities
How Providence's water quality compares to similar cities in Rhode Island:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence | C | 84 | 5 | 334,508 |
| Cranston | D | 0 | 1 | 333,142 |
| North Providence | D | 0 | 1 | 333,142 |
| Riverside | C | 0 | 1 | 333,142 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Providence
Water quality varies across Providence's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02904 | 54 | D | 7 | 2 |
| 02905 | 59 | C | 7 | 2 |
| 02909 | 59 | C | 7 | 2 |
| 02903 | 64 | C | 7 | 2 |
| 02906 | 64 | C | 7 | 2 |
| 02907 | 64 | C | 7 | 2 |
| 02908 | 64 | C | 7 | 2 |
| 02901 | 65 | C | 7 | 2 |
| 02912 | 65 | C | 7 | 2 |
| 02918 | 65 | C | 7 | 2 |
| 02940 | 69 | C | 7 | 2 |
| 02902 | 69 | C | 7 | 2 |
| 02918 | 65 | C | 7 | 2 |
| 02912 | 65 | C | 7 | 2 |
| 02901 | 65 | C | 7 | 2 |
Common Questions About Providence Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Providence, Rhode Island:
Is Providence water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Providence's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Providence tap water? Providence's water receives a grade of C (63/100). There are 24 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Providence? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Providence vs. Rhode Island Average
Understanding how Providence 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 Providence.
ZIP Codes in Providence
Providence spans 12 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 02901. 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.