Is North Smithfield, RI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
65.6/100
waterverge.com North Smithfield, RI — Water Quality Report
North Smithfield's drinking water received a grade of C+ (65.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 6,123 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.7 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 36 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about North Smithfield's water
North Smithfield ranks #25 out of 35 cities in Rhode Island for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
The system has seen 15 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is North Smithfield, RI water safe to drink?
North Smithfield's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (65.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 6,123 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for North Smithfield
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into North Smithfield's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (65.6/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
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 North Smithfield'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
North Smithfield's water system has 36 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 15 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, Blackstone River.
Where does North Smithfield's water come from?
North Smithfield's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 6,123 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. 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), Blackstone River (river).
What North Smithfield residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in North Smithfield'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.
North Smithfield'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 North Smithfield'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. | 0.7 | 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. | 1.61 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how North Smithfield compares by contaminant
Explore where North Smithfield ranks among all Rhode Island cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where North Smithfield's water comes from
North Smithfield's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 6,123 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near North Smithfield
North Smithfield is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving North Smithfield
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLATERSVILLE PUBLIC SUPPLY | RI1615614 | 3,403 | SWP |
| DOWLING VILLAGE | RI2980476 | 2,720 | SWP |
How North Smithfield compares
Full Rhode Island rankings →North Smithfield's score of 65.6/100 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 North Smithfield, RI
Wikipedia →North Smithfield is a town in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States, settled as a farming community in 1666 and incorporated into its present form in 1871. North Smithfield includes the historic villages of Forestdale, Primrose, Waterford, Branch Village, Union Village, Park Square, and Slatersville. The population was 12,588 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to North Smithfield's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Providence
Frequently asked questions
Is North Smithfield, RI tap water safe to drink?
North Smithfield's water quality earned a grade of C+ (65.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #25 out of 35 cities tested in Rhode Island.
What contaminants are in North Smithfield's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 36 violations are on record.
How is North Smithfield'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 North Smithfield?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does North Smithfield's water come from?
North Smithfield's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 6,123 residents.
What health violations has North Smithfield's water system had?
North Smithfield has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
How does North Smithfield's water compare to other cities?
North Smithfield ranks #25 out of 35 cities in Rhode Island (better than 29% of state cities) and #11482 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.