C45/100
Portsmouth Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 17,090 residents · Rhode Island
What's In Portsmouth's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 340.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.005 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
3
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
3
Health-Related
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
PORTSMOUTH WATER & FIRE DISTRICT
Population Served
17,090
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
RI1592022
Frequently Asked Questions About Portsmouth Water
Is Portsmouth tap water safe to drink?
Portsmouth, Rhode Island tap water receives a grade of C (45/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 13 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Portsmouth's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Portsmouth's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Portsmouth have any water quality violations?
Yes, Portsmouth has 13 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include MCL, RPT, MR. 9 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Portsmouth?
Portsmouth water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 2 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Portsmouth's tap water come from?
Portsmouth's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by PORTSMOUTH WATER & FIRE DISTRICT. The system serves approximately 17,090 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Portsmouth's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Portsmouth's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Portsmouth's water compare to other cities in Rhode Island?
Portsmouth's water quality score of 45/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Rhode Island state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Portsmouth's water quality?
If you have concerns about Portsmouth's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (PORTSMOUTH WATER & FIRE DISTRICT) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.