D32/100
BRISTOL COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY — Water Quality Report 2026
Serving 49,000 people · Rhode Island
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
County
—
System ID
RI1647515
Violations
37
Contaminant Test Results
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
2
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: 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
Frequently Asked Questions About BRISTOL COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY
Is BRISTOL COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY water safe to drink?
BRISTOL COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY water receives a grade of D (32/100), which is considered poor. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits and 37 violation(s) are on record. Customers may want to consider using a water filter.
What contaminants has BRISTOL COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY detected?
69 contaminants were tested in BRISTOL COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY's water. Notable contaminants include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs).
Does BRISTOL COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY have any EPA violations?
Yes, BRISTOL COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY has 37 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include MR, MRDL, MCL. 7 are health-based violations.
How many people does BRISTOL COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY serve?
BRISTOL COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY serves approximately 49,000 people, Rhode Island. The system provides water to 3 communities: Barrington, Bristol, Warren.
What type of water does BRISTOL COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY provide?
BRISTOL COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY sources its water from purchased surface water. Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and typically requires more extensive treatment. The utility's system ID is RI1647515.
How does BRISTOL COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY compare to other utilities in Rhode Island?
BRISTOL COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY scores 32/100 with a grade of D (poor). This score suggests significant water quality concerns relative to other utilities. Visit our Rhode Island state page for a full comparison of water systems.