Rhode Island Lead Service Line Replacement Programs

Rhode Island water systems reported 29,755 lead and 1,731 galvanized service lines that must be replaced (EPA, Q3 2026). Below: the state rule on who pays, and every Rhode Island utility with at least 1,000 such lines or a confirmed program.

State rule: utility pays

Lead Poisoning Prevention Act amendments (2023)

Rhode Island's 2023 law requires every lead service line, public and private, to be replaced within ten years and offers owners zero-cost financing through the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank. Providence Water replaces the private side for free at eligible locations while funding lasts.

Mandatory? Yes. All public and private lead service lines must be replaced within 10 years.

Funding: Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank.

Sources: undergroundinfrastructure.com, bostonglobe.com

Utilities listed3

Free programs1

Other programs1

Not yet confirmed1

Utility	Lead	Galv.	Program
Providence City of Providence	25,785	0	Free
Newport City of Newport	1,603	1,286	Program pending
Westerly Westerly Water Department	1,362	38	Not confirmed

Compare: lead lines in every state · cities with the most lead pipes · free programs in Rhode Island

Get lead line replacement quotes in Rhode Island

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Common questions

Who pays to replace lead service lines in Rhode Island?

Is lead service line replacement mandatory in Rhode Island?

Yes. All public and private lead service lines must be replaced within 10 years.

How many lead service lines are in Rhode Island?

Water systems in Rhode Island reported 29,755 lead service lines, 1,731 galvanized lines that need replacement and 53,375 lines of unknown material to EPA (Q3 2026), across 18 reporting systems.

Where can I get help paying in Rhode Island?

Start with your water utility's program; the table on this page shows what we've confirmed. State money flows through: Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank. If your utility has no program, see our guide to paying for replacement.