Rhode Island House Bill H7872

Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/26
• Refer: 2/27/26

Caption

Establishes civil penalties for extended service interruptions by water suppliers. These penalties would be in addition to other available remedies and damages.

Impact

If enacted, H7872 would significantly impact the regulatory framework surrounding public drinking water systems in the state. It would amend existing legislation related to unsafe water conditions, thereby enforcing stricter compliance measures related to service interruptions. By instituting these penalties, the bill aims to promote accountability among water suppliers and ensure that quick action is taken during emergencies.

Summary

House Bill H7872 seeks to establish civil penalties for public water suppliers who experience extended service interruptions. The bill mandates that any public water supplier that fails to restore service to at least 90% of affected customers within four hours of an unplanned outage will incur penalties. These penalties are set at $250 per customer for each additional hour of delay, capping at $5,000 per customer per day. The intent of the bill is to encourage quick restoration of water services and ensure that public water systems maintain a high standard of reliability.

Contention

The establishment of civil penalties has sparked debate among stakeholders. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary measure to safeguard public health and ensure that water supply systems operate effectively, especially during emergencies when timely access to clean water is critical. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns regarding the financial burden placed on smaller water suppliers, particularly in cases where service interruptions are due to circumstances beyond their control.

Notable_points

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions allowing the director of health to adjust or waive penalties based on hardship or uncontrollable circumstances. This offers a level of flexibility that could appease some critics while maintaining a robust framework for accountability among water suppliers.