Water Quality » Lead Center

Lead FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is a water service line?
      • A water service line is a small, buried pipe that brings water from water mains in the streets into homes and other buildings. If any part of the line is lead, it can release lead into your drinking water.

      •  Providence Water aims to replace all lead service lines in our service area by 2033, in accordance with RI legislation. Providence Water will replace as many lead service lines for free as funding allowsFAQ_Who Owns What_PW_English
  2. How do I find out if I have a lead service line?
    • Visit our Lead Service Line Location Map at www.provwater.com/leadmap to learn if you have a lead service line. Enter the building address or your Providence Water account number in the web page.
  3. What is Lead? How does lead get into my water?
    • Lead is a natural element found in small amounts in the earth's crust. The drinking water that leaves the treatment plant in Scituate and goes through the Providence Water piping system has no detectable levels of lead. Lead can enter drinking water when the water touches materials that have lead. These materials can include lead service lines that connect your house to the water main. They can also include lead pipes in your home and parts of your plumbing, including chrome-plated brass faucets.
  4. What are the health effects of lead?
    • Exposure to lead can cause long-term health problems, especially for children younger than six years old and people who are pregnant. People can be exposed to lead by drinking contaminated water or eating food prepared with contaminated water. Lead can hurt a child's brain and nervous system and slow down growth and development. People exposed to lead as children can have lifelong difficulties with learning and behavior and may have trouble paying attention. Even small amounts of lead can harm a child. Lead poisoning is preventable. While it is not the primary cause of lead poisoning in Rhode Island, drinking water can be a source of lead. If a building was built or plumbed before 2014, it could have plumbing materials containing lead. For more information about health effects of lead visit health.ri.gov/lead.
  5. How do I know if I have lead in my water?
    • All Providence Water customers (property owners and tenants) within Providence Water’s retail area may request a free lead testing kit. Call our Water Quality hotline at (401) 521-6303 or email us at PWWaterQuality@provwater.com, to have a free lead test kit mailed to your home or business.
  6. I have a lead service line, should I replace it?
    • Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other sources. You can reduce potential exposure to lead in your drinking water by replacing your lead service line. Property owners owners with lead or unknown material service lines are encouraged to sign up for Providence Water’s Accelerated Lead Service Line Replacement Program! We encourage you to join this opportunity to remove a known source of lead from your property and minimize lead levels at your tap.
  7. Who is eligible for a free replacement?
    • All customers in Providence Water’s distribution system are eligible for a free lead service line replacement.
    • Providence Water will replace as many lead service lines for free as funding allows.
    • Customers will be notified if their property is in a planned construction contract. Construction contracts can be several months to years long.
    • Construction contract areas are chosen based on a number of factors, including the following:
      • Disadvantaged areas
      • Density of children, schools, and licensed childcares facilities
      • Areas with a high concentration of lead service lines
      • Coordination with other municipal construction projects
      • Funding requirements
    • If your location is not currently in a planned contract, it may be included in a future contract, as funding allows.
    • You can check to see if your property has a lead or unknown material service line (may be lead) and sign-up for replacement using the lead service line material map: www.provwater.com/leadmap.
  8. What is the timeline for replacement?
      • Providence Water aims to replace all lead service lines in our service area by 2033, in accordance with RI legislation. Providence Water will replace as many lead service lines for free as funding allows.
      • Customers will be notified if their property is in a planned construction contract. Construction contracts can be several months to years long.
      • If your location is not currently in a planned contract, it may be included in a future contract, as funding allows.
      • If your location is not in a planned construction contract, Providence Water offers a 10-year, 0% interest loan to fund your replacement. Call Providence Water's Water Quality hotline at (401) 521-6303 to learn more about our loan program.
  9. If I replace my private-side lead line, will Providence Water replace the line on the public side? Do I have to pay for that too?
    • Property owners do not have to pay for the public side service line replacement; public side replacements will be constructed at no cost to the property owner. If you are replacing your private-side lead service line outside of a Providence Water program, you must notify  Providence Water- Water Quality at (401) 521-6303.
  10. What will replacement construction look like in my front yard/sidewalk area?
    • The contractor will temporarily restore your sidewalk and yard immediately after replacing your line. Temporary restoration may include putting sod back in place, filling grassy areas with dirt and patching sidewalk panels with asphalt.
    • Final restoration will occur 3-6 months after your replacement. The contractor will replace asphalt or concrete, and restore grass with topsoil and seeding as needed. The contractor will not restore other landscaping, so please move plants and bushes out of the replacement area ahead of time.
      • FAQ_Temporary Restoration - English
  11. How Can I Reduce Lead in My Drinking Water?
    • Take the following steps to protect yourself from lead in your water:

      • Replace your lead service line. Providence Water aims to replace all lead service lines by 2033 to comply with Rhode Island Legislation. Providence Water will replace as many lead service lines for free as funding allows. Visit provwater.com/LSLRprograms to learn more.
      • Run cold water before using. The longer the water stays in the plumbing, the more lead it may have. If the water in the faucet has been sitting for more than 6 hours, run cold water for 3 to 5 minutes before using it. Showering and flushing the toilet also help flush your water line.
      • Use cold water for cooking and drinking (and making baby formula). Lead dissolves into hot water more easily than cold water. If you need hot water, draw cold water and then heat it. Boiling water does not reduce lead. It is safe to shower, wash dishes, and do laundry with hot water from the tap. Lead does not affect humans through the skin.
      • Remove and clean faucet strainers. The strainer/screen is usually at the tip of the faucet and can be screwed off to clean. Clean your strainers/screens every 3 months.
        1. Remove the faucet strainers/screens from all taps.
        2. Rinse the faucet strainers/screens.
        3. Soak the strainers/screens in vinegar for 5 minutes and then clean with a small brush.
        4. Rinse with clean water.
        5. Run the water without strainers/screens for 3 to 5 minutes.
        6. Put the faucet strainers/screens back in place.
      • Use filters. Consider using a faucet or pitcher filter. Be sure the filter is approved to reduce lead (NSF 53/42-certified): visit https://tinyurl.com/pitcherfilters to learn more about water filters.
      • Replace internal building plumbing that may have lead. Potential lead sources include lead pipes, lead-based solder, and brass fixtures and valves (including faucets).
  12. What if I do NOT replace my lead service line?
    • The pipe will continue releasing lead into your drinking water.
    • If you are offered a free lead service replacement by Providence Water and refuse replacement, Providence Water is required to post a notice at the property address and report your refusal to the Rhode Island Department of Health.
  13. What happens when I sign up for a lead service line replacement?

    • We will check to see if your address is in a planned construction contract and will reach out with this information via email. If you did not provide an email, you will receive a phone call.

      • Properties in planned construction contracts will receive an estimated timeline for their free replacement. You will receive schedule updates about every 3-6 months until your address is scheduled for replacement. Planned construction contracts can be several months to years long.
      • Properties outside of planned construction contracts may be included in future contracts under the replacement program, as funding allows. If your location is not in a planned construction contract, we will provide information on other replacement funding options. We will notify you if your address is added to a future construction contract.