Cranston, RI · PWSID RI1592024
City of Providence lead service lines
25,785 lead or galvanized lines to replace
City of Providence reported 25,785 lead and 0 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 80,346 in its inventory. That's 32% of all its lines. Another 7,402 (9.2%) are still listed as unknown material.
Ranks #1 of 17 Rhode Island systems with confirmed lead lines, and #13 nationally.
32% of City of Providence's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement. That's higher than the Rhode Island average (11%) and higher than the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 32%
- Galvanized (replace) 0%
- Unknown 9.2%
- Non-lead 59%
Total service lines reported: 80,346. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 333,142; 79,554 connections.
Lead test results
City of Providence's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (Jul 2026–Dec 2026) was 1.7 ppb, below both the 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level that takes effect in 2027. This means 90% of homes sampled were at or below that level; individual homes, especially those with lead lines, can be higher.
Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile results reported to EPA, in parts per billion. Dashed lines: 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level from November 1, 2027.
Progress since 2025 Q1
Reported lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines went from 25,785 in 2025 Q1 to 25,785 in 2026 Q3: no change. Lines of unknown material went from 7,402 to 7,402, no change.
Quarterly counts reported to EPA. A drop usually means lines were replaced or confirmed non-lead; a rise usually means more lines were identified. Replacement progress rankings.
Lead rule violations
EPA's data lists 4 Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015 for City of Providence. Health-based violations are treatment failures, such as corrosion control or public education; the rest are missed monitoring or reporting.
| Began | Violation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 2021 | Lead consumer notice not delivered or reported | Returned to compliance |
| Jul 2020 | Missed water quality parameter monitoring | Returned to compliance |
| Mar 2020 | Lead consumer notice not delivered or reported | Returned to compliance |
| Nov 2017 | Lead consumer notice not delivered or reported | Returned to compliance |
Source: EPA SDWIS violation records for the Lead and Copper Rule.
Where the water comes from
City of Providence's main water source is surface water (rivers, lakes or reservoirs). It sells water to 8 other water systems: Kent County Water Authority, City of East Providence, Smithfield Water Supply Board, City of Warwick, Bristol County Water Authority, Greenville Water District, Lincoln Water Commission, Bethany Home of Rhode Island.
Source: EPA SDWIS water system and facility records.
Replacement program
Free while funding lasts
Providence Water replaces private-side lead lines for free at eligible locations as long as funding allows, aiming to replace all lead lines by 2033. Only property owners can sign up. A 0% interest loan is also offered for private-side work.
- Check the lead service line map for your property.
- Submit the Right of Entry form.
- Call the Lead Service Line Hotline at (401) 575-0776.
Checked November 2026. Sources: provwater.com, provwater.com. Programs and funding change, so confirm with the utility. Programs in other cities.
Check your own address
These counts cover the whole system. To see whether your line is lead, use the utility's address-level inventory. Utilities had to prepare one by October 16, 2024 and make it publicly accessible; systems serving more than 50,000 people must post it online.
Official utility link, checked November 2026.
No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test on the pipe where water enters your home.
Protect your drinking water now
If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, filter water for drinking, cooking and baby formula. Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead. Run cold water for a few minutes after it sits for hours, and never use hot tap water for cooking.
How to pick a lead-certified filter · How to test your water for lead
Getting the line replaced
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most systems to replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037. Ask City of Providence whether it replaces the private side for free or with a cost share before you hire anyone. If you want it done sooner, or your utility doesn't cover your side, a licensed plumber can quote it. What replacement costs.
County pages: Lead pipes in Providence County
Cities served
ZIP codes served
ZIP codes whose center falls inside City of Providence's mapped service area (EPA service area boundaries). Neighboring utilities may serve parts of the same ZIP.
02903029040290502906029070290802909029100291102912029180292002921
Other water systems nearby
| System | Lead + galv. | Unknown |
|---|---|---|
| Pawtucket Water Supply Board Veolia-Na | 714 | 20,247 |
| City of East Providence | 47 | 6,930 |
| Woonsocket Water Division | 85 | 78 |
| Lincoln Water Commission | 76 | 1,987 |
| Town of Cumberland | 17 | 0 |
| Clear River Electric and Water District | 20 | 452 |
| Slatersville Public Supply | 1 | 0 |
| Eleanor Slater Hospital Zambarano Unit | 20 | 0 |
Check another water system
Questions
Does City of Providence have lead pipes?
Yes. City of Providence reported 25,785 lead service lines and 0 galvanized lines that must be replaced, out of 80,346 total. 7,402 more are of unknown material.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on City of Providence's official service line inventory, which utilities must make publicly available. You can also scratch the pipe where it enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and does not attract a magnet.
When will City of Providence replace lead service lines?
Under EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, most systems must replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037, starting from November 1, 2027. The rule is being challenged in court, so dates could change. Many utilities run free or cost-share programs now.
Has City of Providence had lead violations?
EPA's data shows 4 Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015 for City of Providence.
Which water filters remove lead?
Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction, or NSF/ANSI 58 for reverse osmosis. Check the certification on NSF's listings, not just the box.
Embed or cite this data
Local news sites, blogs and community groups can embed this card. It updates when EPA releases new data.
Citation: Lead Pipe Map, "City of Providence lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/ri/city-of-providence/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.