Environment Council of Rhode Island

Problem: Water is a limited resource.

Rhode Island’s water supply and ecosystem use depend totally on 38 – 42 inches of precipitation on average per year. Although rain and snow are relatively abundant, appropriating that water to a variety of human uses while leaving sufficient flow in rivers and streams for fish and other natural systems is challenging. In addition, assuring that the quality of water recharging surface water rivers and ponds, as well as that recharging groundwater, requires analysis of and solutions for pollution sources affecting run-off.

· Average precipitation varies across the state. The greatest amount falls in central-western Rhode Island and patterns of coastal storms and thunderstorms create seasonal, regional heavy rains in areas that store less water.

· Geology of the state varies regionally and affects water storage and supply. The southwestern part of Rhode Island has the greatest groundwater storage but the rain drains through the soil quickly challenging shallow-rooted crops.

· Inhibitors to infiltration (paved surfaces, compacted earth, building roofs) deny groundwater recharge. Groundwater as well as precipitation and stream-flow supplies reservoirs. Even though a climatological drought (deficient rainfall) ends, a hydrologic drought continues until groundwater returns to a level able to recharge reservoirs to full capacity.

· Water is the basis for our economy. Agriculture provides a small but important segment of the economy in RI, and it preserves desired scenic qualities. Fish and shellfish productivity and the ecosystem associated with Narragansett Bay requires a certain level of freshwater. Recreational fishing, wildlife and certain tourist attractions depend on adequate stream flow. Industrial and commercial uses of water include process and cleaning. Firefighting obviously relies on water.

· Health depends on water. All drinking water in Rhode Island comes from reservoirs or groundwater wells that are supplied by precipitation. There are no underground rivers.

Solutions

Natural patterns cannot be changed, and thus planning within the constraints of precipitation patterns and geologic storage is necessary at both state and municipal governments.

Local build-out planning needs to recognize constraints.

Reviewers of Municipal Comprehensive Plans should analyze proposals with known hydrologic and geologic constraints.

Local ordinances and construction practice need to assure maximum infiltration of precipitation and run-off.

Efficient water use and reuse on an institutional scale can contribute significant quantity.

1. Work with Water Resource Board to assure that Water Suppliers implement leak detection and repair of infrastructure.
2. Work with authorities to assure plumbing codes that require the most efficient fixtures.
3. Institutionalize procedures for re-use.
4. Assure health issues through discussions and necessary requirements and rule changes with Rhode Island Department of Health.
5. Through the authority of comprehensive plans, have towns adopt ordinances that new building projects should review opportunities for appropriate re-use of water.
6. At State level, ask that major projects meet a requirement for review of re-use opportunities.
7. Innovative projects should capture run-off from private and public parking lots as well as State and Interstate roads for irrigating commercial plantings, golf courses, and other appropriate vegetative needs for water.

Rate structures that promote conservative use should be adopted.

1. Public Utilities Commission for suppliers who sell wholesale and self-supplied Water companies need education and commitment to this principal.
2. Water Resources Board should be encouraged to educate and encourage suppliers to use Best Management Practices for conservation.

Maintaining and restoring water quality is critical to assuring healthy supplies and ecosystems.

1. Municipal enforcement of federal Phase 2 Stormwater Regulations should be coordinated with state programs and residential education to improve the quality of storm run-off.
2. Protective and restoration measures in the Clean Water Act should be promoted and strengthened.
3. There should be a strong program and sufficient budget for the development of TMDLs for impaired waters.
4. RI's rich industrial history should be honored by maintaining sufficient allocations of water for industrial purposes.

Strategies

Gaining a voice either through membership or strategic communication with:

1. Department of Transportation.
2. Water Resources Board (Drought Steering Committee; Water Allocation Group).
3. Statewide Planning Program and Technical Committee.
4. Municipal Comprehensive Plans through SWP, Municipal Councils, Zoning Boards, Planners and Planning Boards, Recreation and Public Works Departments.
5. Water Suppliers and Water Supply Management Plans.
6. U. S. Congress and RI General Assembly.
7. Greenway and Rivers Councils.

Passing legislation that will promote solutions.

Acting locally.