Rhode Island Senate Bill S2480

Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/22
• Refer: 3/1/22
• Report Pass: 5/17/22
• Engrossed: 5/24/22
• Refer: 5/26/22
• Report Pass: 5/31/22
• Enrolled: 6/7/22
• Passed: 6/15/22

Caption

Water Resources Management

Impact

With the introduction of S2480, state laws will be revised to enforce stricter controls on public water supply systems. The bill mandates that any plans to expand water supply distribution mains must conform to established infrastructural standards to maintain environmental and health integrity. The Water Resources Board is tasked with enforcing these provisions, and the changes could lead to improved oversight of water resource management. However, this legislation may also increase the bureaucratic processes that municipalities must navigate to approve necessary infrastructure upgrades.

Summary

Bill S2480, titled 'Water Resources Management,' seeks to amend existing regulations regarding municipal water supply facilities in Rhode Island. This legislation is aimed at establishing clearer standards and processes for the approval and extension of water supply infrastructure. It specifies that no municipal department or agency can undertake significant changes to water supply systems without prior approval from the relevant authorities, including the state planning council and health department. This is intended to safeguard public health and ensure a consistent and safe water supply across the state.

Contention

Notable points of contention around S2480 include concerns regarding the potential for increased delays in water supply projects due to its stringent approval requirements. Critics argue that the additional layers of regulation could hinder local municipalities' ability to address urgent water supply issues swiftly. Furthermore, there are fears that the bill's stipulations could complicate the relationship between local water suppliers and state regulatory bodies, thus affecting the overall efficiency of water resource management in times of need.