For: Immediate Release
Date: October 16, 2003
Contact: Clay Commons, (401) 222-7769; 639-6457 (cell)

Rhode Island Releases Drinking Water Source Assessments: Water Quality Good But Needs Better Protection

Today, the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH), Office of Drinking Water Quality released the results of a five-year study of environmental threats to the quality of the state’s untreated water supply. The study found generally good water quality throughout the state.

"Safe water is one of the most important concerns for Rhode Island residents," explains Patricia A. Nolan, MD, MPH, Director of Heath. "These new reports, one for every water source that serves 25 or more consumers, give residents more information about their own water. This is the first time raw (untreated) water has been studied in such detail. Usually reports concern tap water —after it has gone through the treatment plant. The assessments will assist state agencies, municipal officials, water suppliers and residents to take appropriate action to protect our drinking water supplies."

HEALTH produced the assessments in close cooperation with the University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension Service and the RI Department of Environmental Management (DEM). The US Environmental Protection Agency provided funding. Environmental scientists studied all sources of public drinking water in the state to determine the most common potential sources of contamination. More than one hundred volunteers participated in the RI Source Water Assessment Program. Citizens attended meetings, participated in surveys and helped to map and analyze both new and historical threats to water quality. The program drew on various other state, federal and local sources of information in compiling the assessments.

"Protecting Rhode Island’s drinking water supplies from contamination is a top priority for everyone throughout the state," said DEM Director Jan Reitsma. "The source water assessments provide an excellent tool for determining what needs to be done to ensure that all Rhode Islanders have safe drinking water now and in the future. DEM is pleased to have worked with the Department of Health to create these assessments, and we hope that their valuable information will compel local officials, water suppliers, and residents to join with state and federal agencies in a concerted effort to identify and address any and all potential sources of contamination identified in the reports."

Potential contamination sources include residential, agricultural, recreational and commercial land use, and industrial development, underground fuel storage tanks, waste dumps and Superfund sites. "Any activity that uses, stores, generates or disposes of a potential contaminant can pose a threat to water quality," said Clay Commons, an environmental scientist at HEALTH. " With good pollution prevention programs, however, the possibility of contamination can be minimized. Options for protection include education of residents and businesses near the water supply, purchase of adjacent lands or development rights, and controlling storm water runoff from nearby roads and parking areas, updating municipal zoning standards in source water areas, and adopting local wastewater management programs."

The University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension Service conducted the assessments for the state's largest water supply wells and reservoirs, including the Scituate Reservoir, which serves about two thirds of the population. HEALTH conducted source water assessments for smaller water suppliers, such as trailer parks, condominium associations, schools, factories and restaurants that have their own wells.

Copies of the Source Water Assessments for most public water suppliers appear on the HEALTH website at: http://www.healthri.org/environment/dwq/ccr/suppliers.htm Printed assessments are also available from individual water suppliers, or from the RI Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water Quality (401-222-6867). Small suppliers mailed or hand-delivered the assessments to customers.

MUNICIPAL CONTACTS FOR MAJOR WATER SOURCES
Numbers to call for information on specific water supplies