Office of Drinking Water Quality

The Office of Drinking Water Quality ensures the safety of public drinking water in Rhode Island by:

• Approving new public water sources;
• Monitoring and inspecting existing sources; and
• Working with suppliers to maintain compliance with state and federal regulations.

A system for the provision to the public of water for human consumption, if:

• The system has at least 15 service connections, OR
• Regularly serves at least 25 individuals daily for at least 60 days of the year.

Any water system that serves fewer than 25 people per day for at least 60 days of the year, AND has fewer than 15 service connections, is a private system.  Some examples are:

• A household well, even if it serves more than one house but fewer than 15 houses and fewer than 25 people;
• A fairground, if it operates fewer than 60 days of the year;
• A business, if it has fewer than 25 employees and does not serve water to the public.