Residents warn of strained water supply; council approves engineering update

A resident told the North Kingstown Town Council that repeated overpumping of wells has left the town’s water supply vulnerable, and the council approved a sole‑source contract for an engineering firm to update the town’s five‑year clean water infrastructure report.

Kurt Fisher, of 104 Phillips Street, told the council the town faces “serious problems this summer” if dry weather continues, saying past overpumping has damaged wells and urging officials to “address and support the water department in coming up with more supplies.”

Town and water‑department staff responded that the town monitors supply and is targeting older infrastructure for replacement. A water‑department representative said the department uses a SCADA monitoring system “and we do monitor the levels pretty regularly,” and noted the department files usage reports with state water authorities.

On the consent calendar the council approved a sole‑source update from Wright Pierce to revise the town’s Clean Water Infrastructure Replacement report, a document the town submits to the state every five years. Town staff said Wright Pierce originally performed the 2020 study and is best positioned to complete the required update within the state’s schedule; the update is due this summer.

Town Manager Ralph said the town can decline outside requests for water service if supply is insufficient. He told the council that any request from Jamestown or another outside user would come back to the council before any agreement: “If they ever do ask, we won't say yes before we come to the council first.”

Officials said aging mains and older system components are the immediate operational concern and that the town is targeting replacement projects in areas with frequent breaks. The council did not adopt any new restrictions at the meeting but approved the engineering update to inform future projects and budgeting.