Providence Water Ranked Second Best In Nation

3:01PM ON 12/14/2009
BY Dave Segal

Jef’s reporting on the recent study by the Environmental Working Group which ranks our water second-best among large metro areas.

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6 Comments on “ Providence Water Ranked Second Best In Nation ”

December 14th, 2009 at 10:44PM
Libby Kimzey Says:

among other great reasons not to buy bottled water… and who doesn’t love a good info-graphic?
–> http://www.onlineeducation.net/bottled_water/water_full.jpg

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December 15th, 2009 at 10:06AM
Alger Says:

Our enthusiasm for this finding needs to be tempered by the realization that the pipes delivering the water are soldered with lead.

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frymaster replied:
December 15th, 2009 at 11:46AM
Lead solder has been off the market almost as long as lead paint. And, in case you need a little extra stuff to worry about late at night, very little of actual lead piping is still installed / in use in the regional housing stock. But I’m sure whatever is left is all in your house.

Of course, everybody knows that pipes leach most actively when water sits for long periods (aka, overnight), so run your tap in the AM to clear out any trace of lead. (Feel better, Algie?)

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December 15th, 2009 at 10:41AM
Kevin Says:

Alger, the sun causes cancer too. Right?

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December 15th, 2009 at 12:56PM
Adrian Says:

By this time, the lead pipes are so built up with minerals that the likelihood of water picking any lead up is slim to none. Rest assured!
Still though, number two? I’m surprised.

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December 16th, 2009 at 12:00AM
wess Says:

The high quality of the water here was one of the final factors in my decision to move here years ago. (Sorry, Boston, your water is infamous.)

The pile-on on Alger is uncalled for. It’s a good point: No matter how good the water in the main system is, the water coming out of your tap is only as good as the worst pipe delivering it. And most of us have little or no idea how good our own tap water really is.

One thing you can do is test it yourself. There are kits available in the water section of some better stores. (I happened to see it at Stop & Shop awhile ago, and also at some big pharmacy in town.) It’s not cheap (around $30, I seem to recall), but you only do it now and then.

Used properly, reputable water filtrators such as Brita pots can reduce many elements. This is always a good idea generally, but it’s really only necessary to the extent that your own water demands it. For most people in Greater Providence, I expect the tap water is fine.

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