Johnston Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Good news for Johnston residents — your tap water meets all federal safety standards. At just 19.6 ppm (1.1 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 3 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Safe to Drink
Meets all EPA standards
1.1 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Soft water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Johnston Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Johnston tap water meets all EPA health standards and is safe to drink.
- •No health-based violations in the past 3 years.
- •Lead levels are below the EPA action level.
- •3 monitoring/reporting violations (administrative, not health-related).
- •For complete peace of mind, consider testing your home's water—contaminants can enter through your plumbing.
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 333K people in the Johnston area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA.
How Hard is Johnston Water?
19.6 ppm
1.1 grains per gallon
Soft water requires no treatment and is gentle on skin and appliances.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Great for skin & hair
Kitchen
No water spots
Laundry
Clothes stay soft
Appliances
No scale buildup
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Based on 368 water samples from Providence County.
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Johnston tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Johnston
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
1.6 ppb
Johnston lead levels are well within safe limits.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2025-06-30
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
Lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb, though they emphasize there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
High blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
EPA Compliance History
Active Violations
Administrative issues pendingCurrent violations are administrative or monitoring-related. Water quality is not immediately affected, but stay informed about utility updates.
3-Year Violation Summary
3
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
3
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Johnston's Water?
Utility Name
PROVIDENCE-CITY OF
EPA System ID (PWSID)
RI1592024
Primary Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
333K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Johnston tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Rhode Island
Cranston
Soft water
North Providence
Soft water
Providence
Soft water
Warwick
Soft water
Cumberland
Soft water
North Kingstown
Soft water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology