Providence – Rhode Island – Water Quality Report 2025: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Concerns & Safety across your city

Providence Water is Rhode Island’s largest water utility, providing safe drinking water to approximately 600,000 Rhode Islanders across more than a dozen communities through wholesale distribution. The utility serves over 75,000 direct retail customers in Providence, North Providence, Cranston, Johnston, and Smithfield. Founded in 1871, the system draws water from the pristine Scituate Reservoir, the largest inland body of water in Rhode Island, with an aggregate capacity of 39 billion gallons and a surface area of 5.3 square miles.
Providence Water sources its drinking water primarily from the Scituate Reservoir system located in central Rhode Island, which includes six tributary reservoirs covering a total surface area of 7.2 square miles. The water is treated at the P.J. Holton Water Treatment Plant in Scituate, one of the most technologically advanced facilities of its kind when constructed in 1926. Providence Water consistently meets all federal and state quality standards and has achieved the distinction of being the first water utility in Rhode Island to be 100% powered by renewable energy. The utility faces ongoing challenges with aging infrastructure, lead service line replacement, and emerging contaminants while maintaining its commitment to providing safe, reliable drinking water for over 60% of Rhode Island’s population.

Providence buildings by the river

Providence Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)

Latest Testing Results

  • Lead and Copper Compliance: Providence Water is actively addressing lead service lines through comprehensive replacement programs, with over $28.6 million in federal funding allocated for identification and replacement efforts throughout 2024-2025.
  • Testing Scope: Providence Water conducts extensive water quality monitoring in accordance with federal and state regulations, testing for over 200 regulated and unregulated contaminants annually.
  • Compliance Status: The utility maintains full compliance with all EPA and Rhode Island Department of Health drinking water standards, with quarterly compliance reporting showing consistent water quality across the distribution system.

Water Sources

  • Scituate Reservoir System: Primary source covering 94 square miles of watershed in central Rhode Island, including the main reservoir and six tributary reservoirs with a combined capacity of 39 billion gallons.
  • Watershed Protection: Comprehensive watershed management program covering 23.1 square miles of protected land, including forestry management, resident education programs, and strict access controls to maintain water quality.
  • Source Water Assessment: The Scituate Reservoir system has been assessed as medium risk for contamination, with ongoing protection efforts and monitoring to ensure continued water quality.

Advanced Treatment Technology

  • P.J. Holton Water Treatment Plant: State-of-the-art facility utilizing conventional sand and anthracite filtration with iron sulfate coagulation, capable of filtering 140 million gallons per day with an average production of 65 million gallons daily.
  • Multi-Barrier Treatment: Advanced treatment processes including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, rapid sand filtration, and chlorine disinfection to ensure comprehensive contaminant removal.
  • Renewable Energy Operations: Providence Water achieved the milestone of becoming Rhode Island’s first water utility to operate on 100% renewable energy, demonstrating environmental stewardship in operations.

Infrastructure Modernization

  • Lead Service Line Replacement: Accelerated replacement program targeting all lead service lines with $28.6 million in federal funding, offering free replacements for eligible properties and 0% interest loans for others.
  • Distribution System Upgrades: Ongoing water main rehabilitation program with systematic replacement of aging infrastructure throughout the 870-mile distribution network, ranging from 6″ to 66″ diameter mains.
  • Storage and Pumping Facilities: Strategic network of five storage reservoirs and three primary pumping stations ensuring reliable water pressure and supply throughout the service area.

Customer Protection Initiatives

Providence Water provides comprehensive customer support through various programs, including free lead service line replacements for eligible properties and 0% interest loans for qualifying customers. The utility maintains transparent communication through annual water quality reports and 24/7 customer service availability at (401) 521-6300. Educational outreach helps residents understand water quality, conservation practices, and lead exposure prevention. Providence Water’s commitment extends beyond basic service delivery through programs like the accelerated lead service line replacement initiative, watershed protection measures, and proactive infrastructure investments. The utility’s achievement of 100% renewable energy operations demonstrates its dedication to environmental sustainability while ensuring safe, reliable drinking water for the majority of Rhode Island’s population.

Recommendations for Providence Residents

Check Lead Service Lines

Visit Providence Water’s Lead Service Line Location Map at provwater.com to determine if your property has a lead service line. If eligible, sign up for free replacement through the Accelerated Lead Service Line Replacement Program or call (401) 521-6303.

Water Shed

Protect the Watershed

Support Providence Water’s watershed protection efforts by practicing water conservation and responsible chemical use. Participate in community education programs about protecting the Scituate Reservoir watershed that serves 60% of Rhode Island.

Consider Home Filtration

While Providence Water meets all standards, homes with older plumbing or known lead service lines may benefit from NSF-certified filters (Standard 53) for drinking and cooking water, especially for reducing disinfection byproducts.

water tap running

Report Water Issues

Contact Providence Water Customer Service at (401) 521-6300 for general inquiries or the Water Quality Hotline at (401) 521-6303 for water quality concerns, lead service line questions, or to report water main breaks and pressure problems.

Phone is someones hand

Stay Informed

Read Providence Water’s Annual Water Quality Report available at provwater.com and sign up for notifications about water quality changes, system maintenance, and lead service line replacement opportunities in your neighborhood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Providence’s tap water safe to drink?

Yes, Providence Water consistently meets all federal and state drinking water standards. The water comes from the pristine Scituate Reservoir system and undergoes comprehensive treatment at the P.J. Holton Water Treatment Plant.

Providence Water conducts extensive monitoring for over 200 regulated and unregulated contaminants annually. The multi-barrier treatment process includes coagulation, sedimentation, rapid sand filtration, and disinfection to ensure safe drinking water. The utility maintains full compliance with EPA and Rhode Island Department of Health regulations, with quarterly reporting demonstrating consistent water quality across the distribution system serving over 600,000 residents.

What is Providence Water doing about lead service lines?

Providence Water has an aggressive lead service line replacement program funded by over $28.6 million in federal grants:

Free Replacements: Eligible properties in economically disadvantaged areas receive free private-side lead service line replacements

0% Interest Loans: Non-eligible homeowners can access 10-year, 0% interest loans (approximately $46/month for a $5,500 replacement)

Public Side Replacement: When homeowners replace private-side lines, Providence Water replaces the public portion at no cost

Inventory Mapping: Comprehensive mapping system available online to help residents determine if they have lead service lines

The program aims to replace all lead service lines within five years, with priority given to disadvantaged communities. Residents can check their eligibility and sign up at provwater.com.

Where does Providence’s water come from?

Providence Water sources all drinking water from the Scituate Reservoir system in central Rhode Island:

Main Reservoir: The Scituate Reservoir is Rhode Island’s largest inland body of water with a 39-billion-gallon capacity and 5.3 square mile surface area

Tributary Reservoirs: Six additional reservoirs contribute to the system, covering a total surface area of 7.2 square miles

Watershed Protection: The 94-square-mile watershed includes comprehensive land management covering 23.1 square miles of protected areas

Water Quality: The source water assessment rates the system as medium risk, with ongoing protection efforts including forestry management and access controls

The reservoir system was created in 1925 and serves over 60% of Rhode Island’s population. The extensive watershed protection program helps maintain high source water quality for treatment.

How can I get more information about my water quality?

Providence Water provides multiple resources for water quality information:

Annual Water Quality Report: Comprehensive annual reports available at provwater.com detail all testing results and system performance

Contact Options:

• Main Customer Service: (401) 521-6300 for general inquiries

• Water Quality Hotline: (401) 521-6303 for specific water quality concerns and lead service line information

Online Resources:

• Lead Service Line Location Map to check your property

• Water quality reports and testing data

• Information about ongoing infrastructure improvements and programs

Providence Water is committed to transparency and provides 24/7 customer service for any water-related concerns or questions.

Contaminants of Concern

Lead from Service Lines

Source: Lead service lines and lead-containing plumbing materials in older homes, particularly those built before 1986; can leach into drinking water especially when water sits in pipes

Health Effects: No safe level for children; can cause irreversible harm to brain development, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and reduced IQ; also affects adults with kidney and cardiovascular issues

Current Status: Providence Water is implementing comprehensive lead service line replacement program with over $28 million in federal funding EPA Action Level: 15 ppb (parts per billion) – Providence offers free testing and replacement programs

Haz Mat suited man carrying chemicals

Disinfection Byproducts

Source: Formed when chlorine disinfectants react with naturally occurring organic matter in the Scituate Reservoir; levels may vary seasonally with organic matter content

Health Effects: Long-term exposure to elevated levels may increase risk of cancer and potentially affect liver, kidney, and central nervous system; some studies suggest links to reproductive and developmental issues

Current Levels: Monitored quarterly throughout the distribution system with levels maintained below EPA maximum contaminant levels EPA Limits: 80 ppb for total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and 60 ppb for haloacetic acids (HAA5)

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