Utilities & Infrastructure in Providence, RI

Water systems, internet access, and utility services

Internet & Broadband Access

Source: Census ACS

Broadband Access

88.4%

of households

Cable / Fiber / DSL

72.4%

of households

No Internet

9.0%

of households

Total Households

70,313

Internet Subscription Types

Cable, Fiber, or DSL

72.4%

Cellular Data Plan

81.6%

Satellite

3.8%

Cellular Only (no wired)

13.2%

No Internet Access

9.0%

Device Ownership

Source: Census ACS

Has Computer

93.7%

of households

Smartphone

89.7%

of households

Desktop / Laptop

73.4%

of households

Tablet

58.3%

of households

Any Computing Device

93.7%

Smartphone

89.7%

Desktop / Laptop

73.4%

Tablet

58.3%

Smartphone Only

13.3%

No Computer

6.3%

Percentage of households with each device type. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023 5-year estimates, tables B28001 & B28002).

Water Systems

Source: EPA SDWIS

Water Systems

Population Served

334,716

Violations (5yr)

System Name	Type	Source	Pop. Served	Violations
PROVIDENCE-CITY OF	Community	Surface water	333,142	0
ELEANOR SLATER HOSPITAL ZAMBARANO UNIT	Community	Surface water	540	0
PROVIDENCE-CITY OF - WHIPPLE	Community	Purchased surface water	471	3
MEADOWLARK, INC.	Community	Ground water	183	0
RICHMOND RIDGE DEVELOPMENT	Community	Ground water	172	0
SAUGATUCKET SPRINGS	Community	Ground water	110	0
FALL BROOK MOBILE HOME PARK	Community	Ground water	98	0

88.4% of households in Providence have broadband internet access. 72.4% have cable, fiber, or DSL service. 13.2% rely solely on cellular data without a wired connection. 9.0% of households have no internet access. 13.3% use only a smartphone without a desktop or laptop. The area is served by 7 water systems, providing water to 334,716 people. A total of 3 water quality violations have been recorded over the past 5 years.