Tap Water Results

Is Cranston, RI tap water safe?

Data: U.S. EPA · How we read the data · How we check it

Summary

No federal limits exceeded in EPA data for City of Providence.

2 public water systems serve parts of Cranston. The largest, City of Providence, serves 333,142 people, and one system here had PFAS above a federal limit. Your water bill names your system.

Largest system

City of Providence

333,142 people · Surface water · EPA ID RI1592024

PFASHighest averageLimitStatus
PFOA
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFOS
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFHxS
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
PFNA
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
HFPO-DA (GenX)
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected

ppt = parts per trillion. "Highest average" is the highest average at any of the system's entry points, the way EPA compares results with the limits.

Lead: 1.7 ppb at the 90th percentile (Nov 2026, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) Below action level
Health-based violations since 2016: 1

Full City of Providence results

Across Rhode Island, 7 of 26 water systems EPA tested had PFAS above a 2024 federal limit, and 6 systems were above the lead action level in results from the last five years. Rhode Island results.

Cranston homes and lead pipes

78%
of homes built before 1980 (Rhode Island 71%, US 50%)
36%
built before 1950 (Rhode Island 36%)
32%
of households rent (Rhode Island 36%)

Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so homes from before then are the ones to check. Renting? Ask your landlord what the service line is made of, because it's their pipe to replace. How to check your own line.

Housing: Census American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates for Cranston city (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.

Other water systems serving Cranston

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
Johnston 4 mi
City of Providence
City of ProvidenceNone above limits1.7 ppb
Providence 5 mi
City of Providence
City of ProvidenceNone above limits1.7 ppb
Warwick 6 mi
Kent County Water Authority
Kent County Water AuthorityAbove limit2.1 ppb
West Warwick 6 mi
Kent County Water Authority
Kent County Water AuthorityAbove limit2.1 ppb
North Providence 7 mi
City of Providence
City of ProvidenceNone above limits1.7 ppb
East Providence 7 mi
City of East Providence
City of East ProvidenceNone above limits0.3 ppb
Cranston ZIP codes (5)
  • 02823
  • 02905
  • 02910
  • 02920
  • 02921

Questions

Is Cranston tap water safe to drink?

City of Providence had 1 health-based violation since 2016. Utility data can't show lead from your own pipes: if your home was built before 1986, test your tap. Your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report is the official summary.

Who supplies water in Cranston, RI?

2 public water systems serve parts of Cranston. The largest is City of Providence (333,142 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

Does Cranston tap water have PFAS?

None detected above EPA's reporting limits. City of Providence had no PFAS detected in EPA's 2023–2025 testing. "Not detected" means below the reporting limit (about 2 to 20 ppt), not proven zero.

Do Cranston homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 78% of Cranston homes as built before 1980 (Rhode Island: 71%). Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so older homes are more likely to have them. City of Providence's service line inventory says what your line is made of. The only way to know for your home is to check the line where it enters the house and test your tap.

Source: U.S. EPA drinking water records and PFAS testing (UCMR 5). How we read the data.