Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 490 - Water Resources Board
**RHODE ISLAND CODE OF REGULATIONS (RICR)
TITLE 490 — WATER RESOURCES BOARD**
Chapter 00 — General Provisions
490-00-1 — Purpose and Authority
Establishes rules for the management, conservation, and allocation of water resources in Rhode Island.
Authority granted under Rhode Island General Laws (RIGL) for water planning, regulation, and enforcement.
490-00-2 — Definitions
Key definitions include:
Board: Rhode Island Water Resources Board (WRB)
Water Resources: all surface water, groundwater, and related wetlands
Permittee: person or entity granted a water use permit
Beneficial Use: water use that serves public, environmental, or economic needs
490-00-3 — Scope and Applicability
Rules apply to all:
Public water suppliers
Private water users exceeding threshold withdrawals
Development projects impacting surface or groundwater
Water infrastructure planning
Chapter 10 — Water Supply Planning
490-10-1 — Comprehensive State Water Plan
The Board develops and maintains a State Water Plan to ensure long-term sustainability.
Plan includes:
Water availability assessments
Demand projections for residential, commercial, and industrial use
Strategies for conservation and infrastructure
490-10-2 — Coordination with Local Governments
Local water plans must align with the State Water Plan.
Encourages integrated water resources management among municipalities.
490-10-3 — Public Participation
Public hearings and comment periods required for major water planning initiatives.
Chapter 20 — Water Use Permitting
490-20-1 — Permit Requirements
Any withdrawal of water exceeding thresholds requires a permit from the Board.
Permits consider:
Impact on other users
Environmental sustainability
Long-term water availability
490-20-2 — Permit Application Process
Applications must include:
Volume and source of water requested
Intended use
Environmental impact assessment
Board reviews and issues permits with conditions to protect water resources.
490-20-3 — Permit Modifications and Renewals
Permits may be renewed, modified, or revoked based on:
Changes in water availability
Non-compliance with permit conditions
Environmental or public health concerns
Chapter 30 — Water Conservation and Management
490-30-1 — Conservation Programs
Promotes efficient water use by public and private users.
Programs include:
Leak detection
Incentives for low-flow appliances
Public education campaigns
490-30-2 — Drought Management
Board may issue water use restrictions during drought conditions.
Restrictions may include:
Limiting irrigation
Reducing non-essential industrial water use
Prioritizing essential public and environmental needs
490-30-3 — Reporting Requirements
Water users above thresholds must submit regular reports on:
Water withdrawn
Consumption and losses
Measures taken to reduce demand
Chapter 40 — Water Infrastructure Financing
490-40-1 — Financial Assistance Programs
Board manages loans and grants for water infrastructure projects.
Projects eligible include:
Water supply development
Treatment facility upgrades
Dam and reservoir maintenance
490-40-2 — Criteria for Funding
Priority given to projects that:
Improve water supply reliability
Address environmental compliance
Promote regional collaboration
Chapter 50 — Enforcement and Penalties
490-50-1 — Inspections and Monitoring
Board may inspect water facilities and operations to ensure compliance with permits and regulations.
490-50-2 — Violations and Penalties
Violations of regulations may result in:
Fines
Suspension or revocation of permits
Mandatory corrective action plans
490-50-3 — Appeals
Permittees or affected parties may appeal Board decisions within a defined timeframe.
Appeals reviewed by administrative or judicial authorities as specified by law.
Chapter 60 — Public Participation and Records
490-60-1 — Public Hearings
Required for:
Water plan updates
Permit applications with significant impact
Regulatory changes affecting water users
490-60-2 — Access to Records
Water users and the public may request access to:
Permit applications
Inspection reports
Water resource planning documents
Summary Notes
Purpose: Protect and manage Rhode Island’s water resources for sustainable use.
Key Responsibilities of the Water Resources Board:
Develop and implement the State Water Plan
Issue permits for water withdrawals
Monitor and enforce compliance
Promote water conservation and drought management
Provide financial support for infrastructure improvements
Engage the public in water management decisions
Compliance: Required for public water suppliers, large private users, and projects affecting water resources.
Enforcement: Fines, permit revocation, or corrective measures for violations.
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