Is North Providence, 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.
City of Providence supplies North Providence (333,142 people).
Water system
City of Providence
333,142 people · Surface water · EPA ID RI1592024
| PFAS | Highest average | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| PFOA Not detected | – | 4 ppt |
| PFOS Not detected | – | 4 ppt |
| PFHxS Not detected | – | 10 ppt |
| PFNA Not detected | – | 10 ppt |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) Not detected | – | 10 ppt |
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
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.
North Providence homes and lead pipes
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 North Providence town (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.
How nearby cities compare
| City | PFAS | Lead (90th pct.) |
|---|---|---|
| Providence 3 mi City of Providence | None above limits | 1.7 ppb |
| Johnston 4 mi City of Providence | None above limits | 1.7 ppb |
| Pawtucket 4 mi Pawtucket Water Supply Board Veolia-Na | None above limits | 0 ppb |
| Cranston 7 mi City of Providence | None above limits | 1.7 ppb |
| East Providence 7 mi City of East Providence | None above limits | 0.3 ppb |
| Cumberland 8 mi Pawtucket Water Supply Board Veolia-Na | None above limits | 0 ppb |
North Providence ZIP codes (2)
- 02904
- 02911
Questions
Is North Providence 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 North Providence, RI?
City of Providence, which serves 333,142 people.
Does North Providence 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 North Providence homes have lead pipes?
Census estimates put 66% of North Providence 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.