Kent County Water Quality: 120 Violations (RI)
10 water systems · 9 ZIP codes · Grade D · Updated 2026-04-05
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO Last verified: 2026-04-05
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Find the Right Filter →Water Quality Overview
Kent County has 10 community water systems serving approximately 487,222 people across 9 ZIP codes. These systems have accumulated 120 EPA violations, including 4 health-based violations.
Health-based violations account for 3% of all violations in Kent County. These violations indicate contaminant levels that may pose direct risks to human health.
Violation Breakdown
| Violation Type | Count | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Health-based | 4 | 3.3% |
| Monitoring/Reporting | 116 | 96.7% |
| Total | 120 | 100% |
Health-based violations indicate contaminant levels exceeding EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). Monitoring violations indicate failures to test or report.
Cities with Most Violations
| Rank | City | Violations | Health-Based | ZIP Codes | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Warwick | 112 | 4 | 4 | 357,656 |
| 2 | Coventry | 8 | 0 | 1 | 10,746 |
Most Common Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combined Radium | Radionuclides | 32 | 4 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 29 | 5 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 22 | 5 | No |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | 12 | 4 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 8 | 4 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 8 | 4 | No |
| Gross Alpha | Radionuclides | 4 | 4 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 1 | 1 | No |
Understanding Water Quality Scores
Each ZIP code in Kent County receives a safety score from 0-100 based on EPA compliance data. Scores factor in the number and severity of violations, with health-based violations weighted more heavily than monitoring failures. Resolved violations (where the system returned to compliance) receive reduced weight in the scoring.
The county-level grade (D) represents the average across all 9 ZIP codes. Individual ZIP codes may vary significantly — a county with a B grade may contain both A-rated and D-rated areas.
Water Systems in Kent County
Kent County is served by 10 community water systems, averaging 1.1 systems per ZIP code. Each system is independently regulated and tested by the EPA. Larger systems serving more people typically have more extensive monitoring requirements.
Water systems in Kent County source water from a mix of surface water (rivers, reservoirs) and groundwater (wells, aquifers). Source type affects which contaminants are most likely to be detected.
How to Check Your Water in Kent County
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup for detailed water system data including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — every water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report
Get a home test — certified kits ($20-$50) or professional lab tests ($150-$400) can detect contaminants not covered by routine testing
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can address specific contaminants found in your area
Check for lead — homes built before 1986 should test for lead regardless of utility compliance
EPA Enforcement
The EPA and state regulators have taken 51 enforcement actions against water systems in Kent County. Enforcement actions range from compliance assistance and administrative orders to formal penalties. Systems under enforcement are required to remediate violations and may face ongoing monitoring requirements.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO
Updated daily.
What is a water quality grade?
ZipCheckup grades water systems from A to F based on EPA violation history, contaminant levels, and system compliance. Grade A means few or no violations; Grade F indicates persistent or serious issues. Kent County's overall grade is D.
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Find the Right Filter →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water safe in Kent County, Rhode Island?
Kent County has 10 community water systems with 120 recorded EPA violations, including 4 health-based. Water quality varies by ZIP code — check your specific location for detailed results.
How many water violations does Kent County have?
Kent County has 120 total EPA violations across 9 ZIP codes. 4 are health-based violations indicating contaminant levels potentially harmful to health.
Which city in Kent County has the most water violations?
Warwick has the most violations in Kent County with 112 recorded EPA violations across 4 ZIP codes.
What contaminants are found in Kent County water?
Kent County water systems are monitored for over 90 EPA-regulated contaminants including lead, copper, nitrates, disinfection byproducts, and bacteria. Check your ZIP code for contaminant-specific data.
How can I test my water in Kent County?
Contact your local water utility for free or low-cost testing. You can also use a certified home test kit ($20-$50) or hire a certified lab ($150-$400).