Providence’s other lead problem: Its tap water

April 9, 2016 2:17 pm

By The Associated Press

news@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) _ An Associated Press analysis of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data has found that Providence’s drinking water system is one of the largest in the country to have exceeded a federal lead standard since 2013.

Sample test results have gone over the limit six times since 2010. The tap water serves about 300,000 people in Providence, Cranston, Johnston and North Providence.

The Providence Water Supply Board says its reservoir is clean and so are its main water lines, but lead can leach from old service pipes that connect to homes.

The state Department of Health says the system has been improving since 2013. It last went over the limit in 2014 but hovered just under it late last year.

Advocates say the state should help replace all lead pipes.