Providence Water, which supplies about 60 percent of Rhode Island’s drinking water, has made efforts to raise awareness about lead in the water supply.
Lead in drinking water can put young children at risk of developing health problems, including brain damage. The utility has launched a new pilot program that offers zero-percent interest loans for homeowners to help finance the cost of replacing private lead service lines.
Avory Brookins, Rhode Island Public Radio’s environmental reporter, spoke with Frank Carini, editor of ecoRI News, about his recent in-depth report on Rhode Island’s issue with leaded drinking water, and how the state might be able to address it.
Homeowners interested in finding out where public lead service lines, which are connected to the private lines, are located can visit Providence Water’s website to search an interactive map.
