Rhode Island water quality overview
Rhode Island's drinking water quality is fair overall, with an average score of 71.3 out of 100 across 32 cities tested. The median score is 76, serving a total population of 2,365,365 residents. The state shows a mixed picture: 5 cities earned an A, while 4 cities received an F. PFAS "forever chemicals" were detected in 19 of 32 cities tested (59%). 12 cities exceed the 2024 EPA maximum contaminant levels. The state relies on a mix of water sources: 9 cities use groundwater while 23 draw from surface water such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
Issues to watch in Rhode Island
Explore contaminants in Rhode Island
More contaminants tested in Rhode Island
Private-well water in Rhode Island
Based on USGS Powell Domestic-Well Database — 383 private wells sampled across Rhode Island. These wells are not regulated by the EPA; if you draw your tap from a private well, the public-system grade above does not apply to you.
Top industrial water polluters in Rhode Island
Industrial polluters nearby
The 10 facilities reporting the most pounds released to surface water in Rhode Island, 2023.
Total reported releases to surface water: 625 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) |
|---|---|---|
BB & S TREATED LUMBER OF NE NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI02852 | Copper compounds | 425 |
TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA) INC NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI02852 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 138 |
GLOBAL EAST PROVIDENCE TERMINAL EAST PROVIDENCE, RI02915 | Toluene | 34 |
ADVANCED CHEMICAL CO WARWICK, RI02888 | Copper | 16 |
TPI COMPOSITES INC. WARREN, RI02885 | Styrene | 10 |
+ 2 more facilities
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
How Rhode Island cities scored
Best Cities
Worst Cities
Water quality across Rhode Island
Each dot is a city, colored by its water quality grade. Size reflects population served. Click any city to view its full water report.
32 cities in Rhode Island
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barrington | A | 92.4 | 49K | 38 |
| 2 | Lincoln | A | 90.6 | 22K | 4 |
| 3 | East Providence | A- | 86.5 | 48K | 12 |
| 4 | Central Falls | A- | 86 | 98K | 13 |
| 5 | Pawtucket | A- | 86 | 98K | 13 |
| 6 | Jamestown | B+ | 84.2 | 3K | 22 |
| 7 | Johnston | B+ | 83.3 | 333K | 11 |
| 8 | North Providence | B+ | 83.3 | 333K | 11 |
| 9 | North Kingstown | B+ | 82.7 | 28K | 59 |
| 10 | Providence | B+ | 82.3 | 333K | 11 |
| 11 | Warren | B+ | 82.3 | 49K | 44 |
| 12 | East Greenwich | B+ | 82 | 89K | 8 |
| 13 | West Warwick | B+ | 82 | 89K | 8 |
| 14 | New Shoreham | B+ | 80.1 | 10K | 77 |
| 15 | West Greenwich | B | 80 | 89K | 20 |
| 16 | Middletown | B | 77.2 | 42K | 45 |
| 17 | Newport | B | 76 | 50K | 65 |
| 18 | Cumberland | B | 75.8 | 21K | 43 |
| 19 | Woonsocket | B- | 73.2 | 46K | 28 |
| 20 | Cranston | B- | 72.2 | 333K | 19 |
| 21 | Smithfield | C+ | 68.5 | 10K | 54 |
| 22 | Warwick | C+ | 67.9 | 75K | 40 |
| 23 | Scituate | C+ | 67.2 | 1K | 42 |
| 24 | North Smithfield | C+ | 65.6 | 3K | 36 |
| 25 | Westerly | C | 60.4 | 35K | 70 |
| 26 | Richmond | C- | 55.7 | 3K | 48 |
| 27 | Narragansett | D+ | 52.4 | 13K | 44 |
| 28 | Tiverton | D | 46.5 | 15K | 173 |
| 29 | Burrillville | F | 43 | 6K | 179 |
| 30 | Charlestown | F | 43 | 943 | 173 |
| 31 | Portsmouth | F | 41.8 | 17K | 151 |
| 32 | South Kingstown | F | 32.5 | 22K | 240 |
Browse Rhode Island by ZIP code
Look up water quality by ZIP code to find the systems serving your area.
View all Rhode Island ZIP codes →Frequently asked questions about Rhode Island's water
Is Rhode Island's tap water safe to drink?
Rhode Island's water quality varies by city. The statewide average grade is B- (71.3/100). 63% of cities scored an A or B, while 19% received a D or F. Check your specific city for detailed results.
Which Rhode Island cities have the best water quality?
The top-rated cities are Barrington (A), Lincoln (A), East Providence (A-). These cities scored highest based on violation history, lead levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Which Rhode Island cities have the worst water quality?
The lowest-rated cities are South Kingstown (F), Portsmouth (F), Charlestown (F). We recommend residents in these areas consider water filtration and review their city's specific contaminant data.
How many Rhode Island cities have PFAS in their water?
19 out of 32 cities tested positive for PFAS "forever chemicals" (59%). 12 cities exceed the 2024 EPA maximum contaminant levels. Reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters can help reduce PFAS exposure.