What is the difference between the two overlay zones, and what does that mean?

Water Overlay Zones

North Kingstown’s Groundwater Overlay Zoning establishes two overlay zones. The Wellhead Protection Areas, which are the land areas that are within the zones of contribution or the areas where the groundwater is being pulled toward the pumping wells. In essence, this is the water that we may drink at some point in time in the future. These are the most critical areas for protecting our drinking water and communities and water suppliers are required to develop programs for source water and wellhead protection.  

The Recharge Area designation includes the Groundwater Recharge Areas as mapped by the US Geological Survey (with slight modifications to be as protective as possible). These are the watershed boundaries of the Hunt, Annaquatucket and Pettaquamscutt (HAP) River basins.

Show All Answers

1. I've Heard recent changes have been made to our groundwater protection? Can you explain and does this better preserve this vital resource?
2. What is the difference between the two overlay zones, and what does that mean?
3. Why isn’t there a groundwater map on the website that is accurate and up to date?
4. Why would the Water Department want to put the groundwater reservoir at risk?
5. Is our water supply truly stressed?