Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers
Chapter 40 - Water Utilities
Subchapter 00 - N/A
Part 1 - Standards for Water Utilities (815-RICR-40-00-01)
Section 815-RICR-40-00-1.4 - QUALITY OF WATER SERVICE

1. Normal Operating Pressure. Each water utility shall maintain normal operating pressures of not less than 20 pounds per square inch (psi) nor more than 125 psi at the service connection.

2. Pressure Variation

1. Generally. Each water utility shall use all reasonable means to avoid interruptions to service, but should interruption occur, service shall be reestablished within the shortest time practicable, consistent with safety. When an emergency interruption of service affects any portion of the fire protection system, the water utility shall promptly endeavor to notify the local Fire Chief or other public official responsible for fire protection of such interruption and of subsequent restoration of normal service.

2. Unplanned Interruptions. Each water utility shall keep a record of all unplanned interruptions to service of over thirty (30) minutes in duration in any portion of their distribution system. The record shall include the date and time of the interruption, approximate number of customers affected, the date and time of service restoration, the cause of such interruption when known, and steps taken to prevent its recurrence. Reports shall be retained by the water utility for a period of two (2) years and made available to the Division for inspection upon request.

3. Scheduled Interruptions. When service is interrupted to perform scheduled work on mains or equipment, such work shall be done at a time causing minimum inconvenience to customers, consistent with the circumstances. Customers seriously affected by such interruption shall be notified in advance, if practicable. Where any main supplying public fire protection service is scheduled to be shut off for maintenance or other work, the water utility shall notify the local Fire Chief or other official responsible for fire protection at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance, stating the approximate time and anticipated duration. In addition, the local Fire Chief or other official responsible for fire protection shall be notified promptly upon restoration of service.

4. Notification to Division. All notifications to the Division of service interruptions shall be made in accordance with the criteria set out in Appendix A.

1. Notification to Division. When matters of water quality are under review by the Rhode Island Department of Health (DOH), the Division shall be notified thereof in writing by the water utility. A final report shall be submitted by the water utility to the Division within a reasonable time after final disposition of the matter.

2. Notification to Public. When matters of water quality and DOH regulations necessitate notification to the public, the water utility shall effectuate such notification as expeditiously as possible and by all reasonable means available. Timely and direct notification shall also be provided to the appropriate municipal officials in the cities and towns affected, the Division, and the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency. The water utility may rely on the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency to provide notification to the public (and appropriate municipal officials) if the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency determines that it capable of effectuating the timely notifications and accepts that responsibility.