Rhode Island Water Quality Report
Tap water quality data for 7 cities in Rhode Island, updated 2026.
US average: 100 ppm
2 of 7 cities violation-free
7 cities tested
7 water systems tracked
Cleanest Tap Water in Rhode Island
Cities with the fewest water quality issues
Cumberland
119K served
North Kingstown
117K served
Cranston
422K served
Johnston
333K served
North Providence
333K served
Providence
333K served
Warwick
164K served
Most Water Quality Issues in Rhode Island
Cities with the most violations and concerns
Water Hardness Across Rhode Island
Not sure what your hardness means? Use our Water Hardness Calculator or find the best hardness test kits.
Rhode Island Tap Water: What You Need to Know
Rhode Island has 7 tracked water utilities serving approximately 1.8M residents. The average water hardness is 23 ppm (1.3 GPG), classified as Soft — below the national average of 100 ppm. Hardness ranges from 19.6 ppm in Cumberland to 26.5 ppm in North Kingstown.
In the past 3 years, 5 of 7 cities in Rhode Island have recorded water quality violations, totaling 15 violations (0 health-based). All 7 tested cities have lead levels below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island Water
Is tap water safe to drink in Rhode Island?
Most tap water in Rhode Island meets EPA standards, but 5 cities have recorded violations in the past 3 years (0 health-based). We recommend checking your specific city's report on TapWater.org and considering a home water test.
How hard is the water in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island's average water hardness is 23 ppm (1.3 GPG), classified as Soft. This is below the national average of 100 ppm. Hardness varies significantly by city — use our Water Hardness Calculator to check your specific area.
Which city in Rhode Island has the cleanest tap water?
Based on EPA violation data, lead testing, and water quality metrics, Cumberland ranks as having the cleanest tap water in Rhode Island. It has zero violations in the past 3 years and lead levels well below the EPA action level.
Which city in Rhode Island has the most water quality issues?
Cranston currently has the most water quality concerns in Rhode Island, with 3 violations in the past 3 years. Residents should check their city's detailed water quality report and consider using a certified water filter.
Where does Rhode Island get its water from?
The majority of Rhode Island's water systems (86%) use surface water as their primary source. Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Each city's specific source can vary — check individual city reports for details.
All 7 Cities
Sorted by population served
Cranston
Utility serves 422K
Johnston
Utility serves 333K
North Providence
Utility serves 333K
Providence
Utility serves 333K
Warwick
Utility serves 164K
Cumberland
Utility serves 119K
North Kingstown
Utility serves 117K