Rhode Island · population 194,706
Lead pipes in Providence, RI
25,785 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Most of Providence (population 194,706) gets its water from City of Providence. That system reported 25,785 lead and 0 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 80,346, with 7,402 more of unknown material.
32% of City of Providence's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement, 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%
Latest lead test for City of Providence (Jul 2026–Dec 2026): 1.7 ppb at the 90th percentile, against a 15 ppb federal action level. Full test history.
Compliance record: EPA lists 4 Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015 for City of Providence.
Water systems serving Providence
| Water system | Lead | Galv. | Unknown | % lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of ProvidenceMain system | 25,785 | 0 | 7,402 | 32% |
| City of East ProvidenceServes nearby areas | 29 | 18 | 6,930 | 0.3% |
Matched from EPA water system service area boundaries and the cities each system reports serving. Edges of the city may be served by a neighboring system; your water bill names your utility.
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 address in Providence
The counts above cover the whole water system. To see whether your line is lead, look up your address on City of Providence's official inventory. Utilities had to make these public by October 16, 2024.
No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test.
Protect your drinking water
If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead for drinking, cooking and baby formula, and use only cold water.
Choosing a lead-certified filter · Testing your water · Replacement cost
Nearby cities
- Pawtucket714 lead + galv. lines
- Central Falls714 lead + galv. lines
- Cranston25,785 lead + galv. lines
- Warwick58 lead + galv. lines
- Newport2,889 lead + galv. lines
Check another water system
Questions
Does Providence, RI have lead pipes?
Yes. City of Providence, which serves Providence, reported 25,785 lead and 0 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines, plus 7,402 of unknown material.
Who supplies water to Providence?
EPA's service area maps place most of Providence in City of Providence's service area (PWSID RI1592024). City of East Providence also serves parts of the city or nearby areas.
How do I check whether my Providence home has a lead service line?
Search your address on City of Providence's service line inventory map. You can also scratch the pipe where water enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and doesn't attract a magnet.
When will lead pipes in Providence be 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 your street is scheduled and whether it covers the private side.