2018 Rhode Island General Laws
Title 46 - Waters and Navigation
Chapter 46-15.7 Management of the Withdrawal and Use of the Waters of the State
Section 46-15.7-3 Functions of the water resources board.

§ 46-15.7-3. Functions of the water resources board.

Actions authorized or directed by this section must be taken in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, chapter 35 of title 42.

(1) The board shall adopt by rule standards and procedures for implementation of the requirements of this chapter that are consistent with applicable statutes.

(2) The board shall conduct a comprehensive and detailed inventory of the water resources of this state, and shall maintain the inventory on a current and valid basis.

(i) The purpose of this inventory shall be to establish the quantity of water existing in every water source, the quantity that is being used or is needed for every significant purpose, as listed in § 46-15.7-1(a)(2) preceding, and the quantity that is available to support other uses.

(ii) The board shall use data available from state and federal agencies, local governments, elements of the state guide plan, water supply system management plans, persons who withdraw water, and any other valid information that contributes to accomplishing the purpose of this chapter. It is the responsibility of each water user to provide data, or the best available estimates, on their water withdrawals.

(iii) The board shall gather any other information that will assist it in determining the capability of the state's water resource to support various uses and users, and the quantities of water being used to support these. All of the uses and users listed in § 46-15.7-1(a)(2) and any others that are relevant shall be included.

(3) The board shall identify any water source where existing uses and users are shown to have reached or threaten to approach or exceed the safe yield of that source.

History of Section.
(P.L. 1998, ch. 285, § 1.)