North Kingstown Groundwater Recharge and Wellhead Protection Overlay Districts
Our drinking water comes from wells.
Groundwater is vital to North Kingstown’s water supply. In 1986, the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated the Hunt-Annaquatucket-Pettaquamscutt aquifers as part of the Sole Source Aquifer area. This designation reflects the town’s dependence on groundwater and the lack of alternative water supply sources.
Groundwater is protected through federal and state development regulations as well as standards. North Kingstown’s Consumer Confidence Report, which provides information about the town’s drinking water quality, is available at the Department of Water Supply.
Residents can help protect groundwater. If you live in a groundwater protection zone, remember that activities on your property may affect the groundwater that serves as the town’s drinking water supply.
North Kingstown Wastewater Management District Ordinance
North Kingstown requires property owners to maintain their ISDS (Individual Sewage Disposal Systems) or cesspools. Septic systems must be inspected and pumped every three years, and inspections should be performed by a licensed inspector. This helps identify problems such as failed leach fields and maintenance needs.
All ISDS and cesspools eventually need pumping. Solids build up in septic tanks, occupying 35% to 60% or more of the liquid level. Failure to pump can clog leach fields and cause system failure.
There is no scientific evidence that additives improve septic system function. Chemical and organic cleaners should be used sparingly, as they can kill beneficial bacteria needed for wastewater treatment.