Is Rhode Island Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Water quality data for 7 cities across Rhode Island. Find your city below.
Water quality in Rhode Island varies significantly from city to city. Across 7 cities we track, hardness ranges from 20 PPM in Newport to 39 PPM in Warwick, with a statewide average of 27 PPM. Most cities in Rhode Island have relatively soft water, so a softener is generally unnecessary.
2 Rhode Island cities have forever chemicals (PFAS) above the EPA's 2024 limit of 4 parts per trillion: Warwick (33.77 ppt), Woonsocket (26.02 ppt). A reverse osmosis system or NSF P473-certified filter can reduce PFAS to safe levels.
Complete Rhode Island Guide
Statewide water quality overview, costs, and treatment recommendations.
Well Water in Rhode Island
Testing, treatment, and common issues for private wells.
Hardest Water Rankings
Rhode Island cities ranked by water hardness level.
City Comparisons
Warwick vs Newport
Side-by-side water quality comparison.
Warwick vs Providence
Side-by-side water quality comparison.
Providence vs Cranston
Side-by-side water quality comparison.
Rhode Island Cities by Water Hardness
| City | Hardness (PPM) | Level | PFAS (ppt) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warwick | 39 | Slightly Hard | 33.77 | Scituate Reservoir |
| Providence | 33 | Slightly Hard | 0 | Scituate Reservoir |
| Cranston | 27 | Slightly Hard | 0 | Scituate Reservoir |
| East Providence | 25 | Slightly Hard | 0 | Providence Water Supply Board |
| Pawtucket | 24 | Slightly Hard | 6 | Scituate Reservoir via Providence |
| Woonsocket | 22 | Slightly Hard | 26.02 | Social Pond & Harris Brook |
| Newport | 20 | Slightly Hard | 15.5 | Watson Reservoir & Newport system |