Failing Water Quality
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead |
27.7
|
15 ppb | 1 ppb | Exceeded |
| Compound | Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFPeA | 6.1 ppt | No standard | — | Unregulated |
| PFBA | 5.9 ppt | No standard | 500 ppt | Unregulated |
| PFHxA | 5.1 ppt | No standard | 400 ppt | Unregulated |
| PFBA | 5.0 ppt | No standard | 500 ppt | Unregulated |
| PFPeA | 4.3 ppt | No standard | — | Unregulated |
| PFHxA | 3.2 ppt | No standard | 400 ppt | Unregulated |
Water Quality Summary
Tap water quality in Portsmouth, Rhode Island (02871) receives an overall grade of F (Failing) with a score of 31 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 31 points below the Rhode Island state average of 62. Compared to the national average (75), this area scores significantly lower. The area is served by 3 water systems providing water to approximately 67,115 people, using surface water sources. Testing has found elevated levels of Lead that warrant attention. PFAS testing detected 6 compounds, all currently below EPA limits. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 31 violations, including 12 health-based violations.
A score of 31/100 indicates serious water quality failures in Portsmouth, RI. The water system has significant violations, contaminant exceedances, or enforcement actions. Residents should strongly consider using a certified water filtration system for drinking and cooking water, requesting their utility's latest test results, and potentially having their water independently tested.
Health Information
Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.
Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.
Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.
If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.
Common Questions
Tap water in Portsmouth, Rhode Island receives a grade of F (Failing) with a score of 31/100. This indicates significant water quality concerns based on violation history, contaminant levels, or enforcement actions. We recommend reviewing the specific contaminants detected below and considering a certified water filter.
ZIP code 02871 is served by 3 water systems using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 67,115 people. Surface water systems are more susceptible to contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and weather events, but typically undergo more extensive treatment including filtration and disinfection.
Yes — lead levels in Portsmouth, Rhode Island are 27.7 ppb, which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This is a serious concern. We strongly recommend using a certified lead-removal filter for all drinking and cooking water, and having your water independently tested.
6 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Portsmouth, Rhode Island, but all are currently below EPA limits. While levels are within regulatory standards, some health organizations recommend minimizing any PFAS exposure. Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters can reduce PFAS levels.
Water systems serving Portsmouth, Rhode Island have received 31 violations in the last 5 years, including 12 health-based violations. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.
Based on detected contaminants (lead, PFAS), residents in Portsmouth, Rhode Island should consider: Reverse osmosis (RO) system — most effective for PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.
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