EPA SDWIS DataRhode Island

Copper in Rhode Island Drinking Water

Rhode Island has 1,147 public water systems. 78 have recorded copper violations.

Total Systems

1,147

With Violations

EPA MCL

1.3

Population Served

1.1M

Copper in Rhode Island: Key Facts

Total Water Systems

1,147

Systems with Violations

Lead Violations

Copper Violations

EPA Standard

1.3 mg/L

MCLG (goal): 1.3 mg/L

Systems with Copper Violations in Rhode Island

System	City	Population	Violations
WESTERLY WATER DEPARTMENT	WESTERLY	35K	344
QUONSET BUSINESS PARK	NORTH KINGSTOWN	13K	259
SOUTH KINGSTOWN-SOUTH SHORE	WAKEFIELD	6K	108
SLATERSVILLE PUBLIC SUPPLY	NORTH SMITHFIELD	3K	106
ZZINPASCOAG UTILITY DISTRICT,WATER DIV	PASCOAG	3K	67
DOWLING VILLAGE	WARWICK	3K	55
PONAGANSET HIGH SCHOOL	NORTH SCITUATE	2K	156
PRUDENCE ISLAND WATER DISTRICT	PRUDENCE ISLAND	2K	506

Health Effects of Copper Exposure

Gastrointestinal distress

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea at high levels

Liver and kidney damage

Chronic high exposure can damage organs

Wilson's disease risk

Those with Wilson's disease are especially sensitive

Short-term: gastrointestinal distress. Long-term: liver or kidney damage. People with Wilson's disease are more sensitive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there copper in Rhode Island water?

Rhode Island has 1,147 public water systems. 78 have recorded copper violations based on EPA SDWIS data. If you are on a private well, your water is not covered by these regulations and should be tested independently.

How can I check my Rhode Island water for copper?

Search for your water system using the WaterCheck system lookup, or contact your utility and request a copy of your Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The CCR is published annually and lists all detected contaminants, their levels, and the EPA MCLs. For private wells, contact a state-certified lab for independent testing.

What is the EPA limit for copper?

The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for copper is 1.3 mg/L. Systems that exceed MCLs are required to notify customers and take corrective action.

Copper at a Glance

Categoryheavy metal

EPA MCL1.3 mg/L

Source

Corrosion of household plumbing; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives

How to Filter Copper

+Run cold water 30 seconds to 2 minutes before use
+NSF/ANSI 53 certified filters can reduce copper
+Avoid letting water sit in copper pipes overnight