Does a detection mean the water is unsafe or out of compliance?

No. UCMR 5 is monitoring data and does not indicate compliance or noncompliance with any drinking-water standard. It reports the highest single detected result at the entry point, which is information you can act on by testing your own tap and choosing a certified filter.

PFAS detected in Rhode Island water systems

Q: Which Rhode Island water systems had PFAS detected in EPA UCMR 5?

EPA UCMR 5 detected PFOA or PFOS at or above 6 parts per trillion in 6 large Rhode Island public water systems (each serving more than 10,000 people). Select a system to see the specific PFAS and highest levels detected.

EPA UCMR 5 monitoring (2023–2025) detected PFOA or PFOS at or above 6 parts per trillion in these 6 large Rhode Island public water systems, each serving more than 10,000 people. Select a system to see exactly what was detected and the certified filters that reduce it.

Rhode Island systems, highest detections first

Water system	PFOA (ppt)	PFOS (ppt)	vs. 4 ppt reference
University of Rhode Island	16	5	4×
Quonset Business Park	15	5	3.8×
Westerly Water Department	9	7	2.3×
North Kingstown Town of	8.1	4.6	2×
Cumberland, Town of	7.7	6.7	1.9×
Kent County Water Authority	7.5	—	1.9×

Highest single EPA UCMR 5 detections (2023–2025), in parts per trillion. The last column is the multiple of the 4 ppt federal reference level for PFOA/PFOS — shown as context only, not a compliance or health determination. — means the compound was not detected at or above 6 ppt.

Not sure what's in your own water? Test it first, then run the selector for a recommendation matched to your home, or read what PFAS is and how it's removed.