Is Charlestown, 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 Charlestown, RI — Water Quality Report
Charlestown's drinking water received a grade of F (43 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 1,794 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 173 violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 61 remain unresolved.
What to know about Charlestown's water
Charlestown ranks #31 out of 35 cities in Rhode Island for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Charlestown 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.
As a small community water system, Charlestown may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 88 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Charlestown, RI water safe to drink?
Charlestown'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 8 water systems serve approximately 1,794 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Charlestown
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Charlestown's water quality assessment. Grade: F (43/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Charlestown'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
Charlestown's water system has 173 total violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 61 remain unresolved. 88 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Charlestown's water come from?
Charlestown's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 8 water systems serving approximately 1,794 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Chipuxet River (river), Usquepaug River (river), Pawcatuck River (river), Beaver River (river), Wood River (river).
What Charlestown residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Charlestown'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Charlestown
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Charlestown, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KENYON INDUSTRIES INC. KENYON, RI02836 | — | — | 4.6 mi |
MODINE MANUFACTURING CO WEST KINGSTON, RI02892 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Charlestown
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- WEST KINGSTON TOWN DUMP URI DISPOSAL AREA9.5 mi
- ROSE HILL REGIONAL LANDFILL9.5 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Charlestown'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. | 3.0 | 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. | 1.67 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Charlestown compares by contaminant
Explore where Charlestown ranks among all Rhode Island cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Charlestown's water comes from
Charlestown'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 1,794 people through 8 water systems.
Water bodies near Charlestown
Charlestown is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Charlestown
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CENTRAL BEACH FIRE DISTRICT | RI1647512 | 470 | GW |
| QUONOCHONTAUG EAST BEACH WATER ASSOCIATI | RI1647511 | 300 | GW |
| SHADY HARBOR FIRE DISTRICT | RI1559513 | 300 | GW |
| CASTLE ROCK CONDOMINIUMS | RI1000035 | 292 | GW |
| CHARLESTOWN CEDARS LLC | RI2674925 | 150 | GW |
| NINIGRET REALTY | RI2674928 | 109 | GW |
| CHURCH WOODS | RI2980017 | 98 | GW |
| BORDER HILL MOBILE HOME PARK | RI2674924 | 75 | GW |
How Charlestown compares
Full Rhode Island rankings →Charlestown'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 Charlestown, RI
Wikipedia →Charlestown, nicknamed C-Town by locals, is a town on the southern coastline of Washington County, Rhode Island, United States. Charlestown is bordered by Westerly to the west, Richmond to the north divided by the Pawcatuck River, and South Kingstown to the east, with the Block Island Sound to the south. Charlestown, similarly to Westerly, Rhode Island, is a tourist destination during the months of May through October for destinations such as the Charlestown Breachway, East Beach, and more.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Charlestown's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washington
Frequently asked questions
Is Charlestown, RI tap water safe to drink?
Charlestown's water quality earned a grade of F (43/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #31 out of 35 cities tested in Rhode Island.
What contaminants are in Charlestown's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 173 violations are on record.
How is Charlestown'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 Charlestown?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Charlestown's water come from?
Charlestown's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 8 water systems serving approximately 1,794 residents.
What health violations has Charlestown's water system had?
Charlestown has 28 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 61 violations remain unresolved.
Is Charlestown's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Charlestown 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 173 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 Charlestown's water compare to other cities?
Charlestown ranks #31 out of 35 cities in Rhode Island (better than 11% of state cities) and #14694 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.