Tap Water Results

Is Cumberland, 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 Pawtucket Water Supply Board Veolia-Na. 1 PFAS were detected below the limits.

2 public water systems serve parts of Cumberland. The largest, Pawtucket Water Supply Board Veolia-Na, serves 98,130 people, and one system here had PFAS above a federal limit. Your water bill names your system.

Largest system

Pawtucket Water Supply Board Veolia-Na

98,130 people · Surface water · EPA ID RI1592021

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: 0 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: 0

Full Pawtucket Water Supply Board Veolia-Na 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.

Cumberland homes and lead pipes

59%
of homes built before 1980 (Rhode Island 71%, US 50%)
18%
built before 1950 (Rhode Island 36%)
24%
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. How to check your own line.

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

Other water systems serving Cumberland

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
Woonsocket 5 mi
Woonsocket Water Division
Woonsocket Water DivisionNone above limits6.6 ppb
Pawtucket 7 mi
Pawtucket Water Supply Board Veolia-Na
Pawtucket Water Supply Board Veolia-NaNone above limits0 ppb
North Providence 8 mi
City of Providence
City of ProvidenceNone above limits1.7 ppb
Providence 10 mi
City of Providence
City of ProvidenceNone above limits1.7 ppb
Johnston 11 mi
City of Providence
City of ProvidenceNone above limits1.7 ppb
East Providence 12 mi
City of East Providence
City of East ProvidenceNone above limits0.3 ppb
Cumberland ZIP codes (1)
  • 02864

Questions

Is Cumberland tap water safe to drink?

Pawtucket Water Supply Board Veolia-Na has had no health-based violations 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 Cumberland, RI?

2 public water systems serve parts of Cumberland. The largest is Pawtucket Water Supply Board Veolia-Na (98,130 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

Does Cumberland tap water have PFAS?

Pawtucket Water Supply Board Veolia-Na had 1 PFAS detected at least once in EPA's 2023–2025 testing, all with averages below the federal limits.

Do Cumberland homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 59% of Cumberland 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. Pawtucket Water Supply Board Veolia-Na'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.