South Kingstown officials and Veolia representatives briefed the Town Council on the continuing full outdoor water ban and on efforts to monitor and replenish the town’s aquifer.

Chris Jacobs, Veolia representative, said weekly static well measurements still show low aquifer levels in the Tucker Town well field despite recent storms. "Sometimes with heavier rains a lot of it ends up in the storm drains out in the ocean and turns into runoff," Jacobs said, explaining that steady, soaking rains are more effective at recharging groundwater than brief heavy storms. He said the company will continue weekly level tests and that it is studying alternative sources and possible emergency interconnects with neighboring towns, but such solutions are likely years away.

Town officials and councilors pressed Veolia and town staff on public outreach, enforcement and timeline expectations. Council members said they want clearer, more accessible public communication about what customers can do now and what metrics will guide lifting the ban. Councilors discussed pursuing an ordinance to set an odd/even irrigation regime and other regulatory tools; Town Manager Jim Mann said he aims to have draft ordinance language for council consideration in early December.

Residents and community groups urged faster action and more public education. Several people at public comment noted the frequency of water restrictions over the last two decades and questioned whether new development and short‑term rentals strain the system.

Veolia and town staff emphasized essential services remain supplied and that most summertime demand is for irrigation: Jacobs said the system has "plenty of water for our essentials, the drinking, fire protection" but urged conservation. Town officials noted the planned studies of alternative sources (test‑wells, interconnects) and emphasized that building additional long‑term storage or new sources involves significant cost and permitting.

Councilors asked staff to prepare draft ordinance language and public education materials, and to return with an implementation timeline and recommended thresholds the town and Veolia will use to move from a full ban to less restrictive measures such as odd/even watering.