Copper in Rhode Island Drinking Water
Ranked by 90th percentile copper level (mg/L) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR
Copper in Rhode Island: what the data shows
Rhode Island has 11 cities with copper monitoring data. The state average 90th percentile copper level is 2.786 mg/L, compared to 28.808 mg/L nationally — better than the national average. 11 cities exceed the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L. Copper in drinking water typically comes from corrosion of copper pipes and plumbing fixtures, particularly in older homes. The EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L is the 90th percentile threshold — if more than 10% of tap samples exceed it, utilities must take corrective action including adjusting water chemistry to reduce corrosivity. Short-term copper exposure above the action level can cause gastrointestinal distress. Long-term exposure at elevated levels is associated with liver and kidney damage. Flushing your tap for 30 seconds before use and using an NSF 53-certified filter can reduce copper exposure.
Cities exceeding 1.3 mg/L EPA Action Level
Copper data across Rhode Island
Each dot is a city, colored by overall water quality grade. Cities with copper levels above the 1.3 mg/L EPA action level are highlighted. Size reflects population served.
Top 10 cities by copper level in Rhode Island
Highest Copper levels (mg/L)
All Rhode Island cities ranked by copper level
| # | City | Level | Level | Exceeds? | Violations | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middletown | 4.930 mg/L | Yes | 36 | F | |
| 2 | Burrillville | 4.425 mg/L | Yes | 33 | F | |
| 3 | Barrington | 4.060 mg/L | Yes | 8 | B+ | |
| 4 | South Kingstown | 3.558 mg/L | Yes | 38 | F | |
| 5 | Barrington | 2.640 mg/L | Yes | 9 | B- | |
| 6 | Coventry | 2.485 mg/L | Yes | 7 | F | |
| 7 | Exeter | 2.195 mg/L | Yes | 30 | F | |
| 8 | Westerly | 1.700 mg/L | Yes | 5 | C | |
| 9 | Charlestown | 1.665 mg/L | Yes | 28 | F | |
| 10 | North Smithfield | 1.610 mg/L | Yes | 9 | C+ | |
| 11 | Richmond | 1.380 mg/L | Yes | 5 | C- |
Frequently asked questions about copper in Rhode Island
Is copper in Rhode Island drinking water safe?
11 cities in Rhode Island exceed the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L for copper. The state average is 2.786 mg/L. Copper levels are highest in homes with copper plumbing, particularly when water sits in pipes overnight. Flushing the tap before use significantly reduces copper in drinking water.
What causes high copper levels in Rhode Island tap water?
Copper typically leaches from copper pipes and brass fittings within homes, not from the water source itself. Corrosive (low pH or soft) water accelerates this leaching. Water utilities with high copper readings are required to adjust water chemistry to reduce corrosivity. You can reduce exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds before use.