West Greenwich, RI: High Radon Risk — 64/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In recent monitoring cycles, West Greenwich tap water shows a mixed record for RI — several systems have documented violations alongside areas with clean compliance histories.
How West Greenwich Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About West Greenwich Water
- Average lead level: 0.0076 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 46% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.86 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in West Greenwich
2 water utilities share the residential service territory in West Greenwich, RI — out of 2 total systems in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in West Greenwich, Rhode Island (population ~6,598), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 88,823 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in West Greenwich — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for West Greenwich: C (64/100)
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
West Greenwich water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0076 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02817 | C | Kent County Water Authority | 88,779 |
All ZIP Codes in West Greenwich
- 02817 [C]
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.
Health Outcomes in West Greenwich
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
Housing & Infrastructure in West Greenwich
With 46% 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
What does a median build year of 1982 mean for water safety in West Greenwich? It means the housing stock straddles two key plumbing thresholds: the 1986 federal ban on lead solder in copper plumbing, and the pre-1970 era when lead pipes were commonly installed for service lines. A meaningful share of homes predates one or both of those cutoffs, creating varied risk levels across the city's housing inventory.
Most homes in West Greenwich were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for West Greenwich Homeowners
Within the West Greenwich market, estimated remediation claims a small portion of typical property equity — the financial burden is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in West Greenwich are relatively low compared to home values. The $2,000–$4,100 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 22% above the Rhode Island average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in West Greenwich
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.
Wherever 46% of local housing was built before solder rules changed — as is the case in West Greenwich — a faucet-level sample closes the gap that aggregate utility data cannot.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in West Greenwich
West Greenwich's flood exposure sits in the moderate range: 2 NFIP claims on record and 100% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones. Residents with private wells or older infrastructure have reasonable grounds to factor flood timing into their water quality awareness.
West Greenwich has a moderate flood history with 2 FEMA claims averaging $5,214 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>$3,000</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.
What You Can Do in West Greenwich
- 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 46% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for West Greenwich, RI