Water worries mount, outdoor water use banned in some parts of RI

The state is in a drought watch for the first time since 2002

• Rhode Island’s governor has issued a statewide drought watch due to low precipitation and declining water levels.
• The state has received 13 inches less precipitation than average over the past year.
• Officials are urging residents and businesses to conserve water as the state enters the highest-demand season.

Concerns about the supply of fresh water are growing as Governor Dan McKee declared a drought watch on Wednesday and outdoor water use has been banned in some communities.

Westerly announced a ban on Friday, July 3, a few days after bans were implemented for Veolia Rhode Island water customers in South Kingstown and Narragansett.

On Wednesday, July 1, McKee issued a statewide drought watch on the recommendation of the state’s Drought Steering Committee, his office announced. It is the first drought watch for the state since 2002.

The watch followed an advisory last month, his office said. According to McKee’s office, a watch is the second of the following four progressive drought declarations: advisory, watch, warning and emergency.

According to McKee’s office, the committee recommended the watch based on “prolonged precipitation deficits extending back to June 2025, record-breaking low and steadily worsening stream flows, and rapidly declining groundwater levels across the state, with increasing dry conditions heading into the months of highest water demand.”

Summer brings highest demand for water

McKee said, “While our water supply is designed to withstand some level of drought, Rhode Islanders should be aware of the current conditions. As we head into the summer, which is the highest-demand season for water use, we strongly encourage residents and businesses to implement conservation measures now.”

Meredith Brady, chair of the Drought Steering Committee, said, “Rhode Island has received 13 inches less precipitation over the past 12 months than expected in an average year, which is having a profound impact on our groundwater aquifers.”

She said groundwater reservoir and streamflow patterns are at levels typically seen in August, not June.

Rhode Island is in its first heat wave of the season and under an extreme heat warning until 8 p.m. July 4. The Providence area had just 2.38 inches of rain in June, well below the normal of 3.81 inches, according to the National Weather Service.

Rain is possible late Sunday into Tuesday

The heat wave should end Sunday, and the region could see some “much needed rain” late Sunday through Tuesday, the weather service said in its forecast discussion.

Westerly enacted an emergency water ban on the use of all residential outdoor water use because of drought conditions and increased water use because of the heat, the town said.

“Prohibited activities include the watering of lawns, filling of pools, and washing of vehicles, homes or decks,” the town said in announcing the ban on Friday, July 3.

The ban is in effect until further notice, the town said.

Westerly is asking for cooperation but will watch for violators

The town said it’s “asking all residents and visitors for their cooperation in this effort to restore critical water levels within our system.”

But it added that town staff will monitor all parts of town for violations, and those who violate that ban will be subject to penalties and fines.

The Westerly restriction comes three days after a ban was implemented for Veolia Rhode Island water system customers in South Kingstown and Narragansett.

“A mandatory ban is currently in effect on all outdoor water use until further notice,” the water company said. “This watering ban is being enacted in response to current drought conditions in Rhode Island, and to protect our aquifer from depletion. The ban will help ensure sufficient water reserves remain available for fire protection and essential customer needs. We ask our customers to please use water wisely.”

On Thursday, July 2, the day before implementing the ban, Westerly said it had been “aware of some concerns over low water pressure in some areas of town.”

At that point, it said town officials were “evaluating the potential need to initiate an odd/even water ban.”