Is Burrillville, RI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
43/100
waterverge.com Burrillville, RI — Water Quality Report
Burrillville's drinking water received a grade of F (43 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 7,515 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 179 violations on record, including 33 health-based violations. 36 remain unresolved.
What to know about Burrillville's water
Burrillville ranks #30 out of 35 cities in Rhode Island for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Burrillville relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
The system has seen 35 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Burrillville, RI water safe to drink?
Burrillville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (43/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 7,515 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Burrillville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Burrillville's water quality assessment. Grade: F (43/100).
Contaminants: Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3563). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3355). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Burrillville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Burrillville's water system has 179 total violations on record, including 33 health-based violations. 36 remain unresolved. 35 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Providence County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1985. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include West River Below West Hill Dam, Nr Uxbridge, Blackstone River, Rt 122 Bridge, Nipmuc River, Branch River, Peeptoad Brook.
Where does Burrillville's water come from?
Burrillville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 7,515 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include West River Below West Hill Dam, Nr Uxbridge (river), Blackstone River, Rt 122 Bridge (river), Nipmuc River (river), Branch River (river), Peeptoad Brook (river).
What Burrillville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Burrillville's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Burrillville's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Providence County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1985. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Burrillville's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 4.42 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 3.650 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Burrillville compares by contaminant
Explore where Burrillville ranks among all Rhode Island cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Burrillville's water comes from
Burrillville's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 7,515 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Burrillville
Burrillville is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Burrillville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLEAR RIVER ELECTRIC AND WATER DISTRICT | RI1858411 | 6,000 | GW |
| MAPLEHILL MOBILE HOME PARK | RI2973130 | 750 | GW |
| ELEANOR SLATER HOSPITAL ZAMBARANO UNIT | RI1647516 | 540 | SW |
| NASONVILLE WATER DISTRICT | RI1900034 | 150 | GW |
| GLENDALE WATER ASSN | RI1583825 | 75 | GW |
How Burrillville compares
Full Rhode Island rankings →Burrillville's score of 43/100 is below the average of 76/100 among major Rhode Island cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Rhode Island rankings →About Burrillville, RI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Burrillville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Providence
Frequently asked questions
Is Burrillville, RI tap water safe to drink?
Burrillville's water quality earned a grade of F (43/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #30 out of 35 cities tested in Rhode Island.
What contaminants are in Burrillville's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 179 violations are on record.
How is Burrillville's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Burrillville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Burrillville's water come from?
Burrillville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 7,515 residents.
What health violations has Burrillville's water system had?
Burrillville has 33 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 36 violations remain unresolved.
Is Burrillville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Burrillville uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 179 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Burrillville's water compare to other cities?
Burrillville ranks #30 out of 35 cities in Rhode Island (better than 14% of state cities) and #14663 out of 15744 cities nationally (7th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.