Town of North Smithfield

September 26, 2025

From the Desk of the Town Administrator

Planning Director Receives State Award

Mark Carroulo, Director of Planning for the Town, received the Dan Beardsley Award from the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns at the League’s Annual Dinner. The award recognizes individuals in small, medium, and large communities for excellence in commitment, service, and engagement in municipal government. We congratulate Mark for this distinction, which is well deserved. Mark is an invaluable member of the Administration, and his leadership is felt in many of our initiatives.

Town Completes Municipal Resiliency Workshop

The Town recently held an online workshop on municipal resiliency. The workshop was organized and facilitated by the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank and the Nature Conservancy. The final workshop report should be finalized shortly and will be posted on the Town’s website. The resiliency report will supplement the Town’s Flood Management and Hazard Mitigation Plan, which was completed and approved by the United States Emergency Management Administration earlier this year. Completion of the workshop qualifies the Town for grants through the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank.

Rte. 146 TIF Feasibility Study Finalized

The Town, working through the Economic Development Commission and Planning Department, has completed the first-phase feasibility study for the proposed Rte. 146 Tax Increment Financing District. The feasibility study will be posted on the Town’s website shortly. The Administration has requested funding support from the State to underwrite the next phase of Rte. 146 planning. Specifically, next phase planning will include conducting a market study, preparing a new zoning district for the corridor, and further refining of the Tax Increment Financing strategy.

Administrator and Finance Director Meet with North Kingstown

The Town Administrator and Finance Director recently met with the North Kingstown Town Manager and Finance Director to discuss their budgeting and financial management processes and technology. North Kingstown is consistently recognized for their excellence in municipal finance and reporting. Town Manager Mollis and Finance Director Deb Bridgham provided invaluable insight and information, which is being used by the Administration to review and modify the Town’s operating procedures and policies in the Finance Department.

PUBLIC NOTICE

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) MCL Violation at Slatersville Public Supply

PWS# RI1615614

Our water system violated a drinking water standard over the past year. Although this was not an emergency, as our customers you have the right to know what happened and what we did to correct the situation.

We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants. Testing results from 7/1/2025 to 9/30/2025 (Quarter 3 2025) show that our system exceeds the standard, or maximum contaminant level (MCL), for Total Trihalomethanes, also known as TTHM. The standard for TTHM is 80 ug/l (Parts Per Billion or PPB). It is determined by averaging all the samples collected at each sampling location for the past 12 months. The level of TTHM averaged at one of our system’s locations for 7/1/2025 to 9/30/2025 (Quarter 3 2025) was 81.5 ug/l (PPB).

What should I do?

- There is nothing you need to do. You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. If a situation arises where the water is no longer safe to drink, you will be notified within 24 hours.

- If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health care providers about drinking this water.

What does this mean?

This is not an emergency. If it had been an emergency, you would have been notified within 24 hours. TTHM are a group of four volatile organic chemicals which form when disinfectants react with natural organic matter in the water.

Explanation:

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) are byproducts that form when chlorine, used to disinfect drinking water, reacts with natural organic matter present in the source water. Several factors can contribute to increased TTHM levels, including:

·     Higher water temperatures during the summer months, which accelerate chemical reactions.

·     Increased levels of natural organic matter, which tend to rise with warmer temperatures.

·     Water age, or the length of time water stays in the distribution system before reaching your tap.

Our water system is supplied by a surface water source, which naturally contains more organic material than groundwater sources. While effective treatment methods are used, it is not possible to remove all organic matter from the water. Additionally, North Smithfield receives water from the Woonsocket Water system at a connection point located near the end of their distribution system. This results in longer water travel times before it reaches some areas in our system, allowing more time for chlorine to react with organic matter and form TTHMs.

Reducing chlorine levels is not a viable option, as it would compromise disinfection and overall water safety. However, we are actively working on strategies to minimize TTHM formation, such as improving system flushing, evaluating treatment upgrades, and reducing water age in the distribution system where possible.

People who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

What is being done?

The North Smithfield Water Department has collected water quality samples from strategic locations throughout the distribution system to better understand the source and extent of elevated Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs). We are actively working with the Rhode Island Department of Health and our engineering consultants to analyze this data and develop a targeted response.

Timeline and Next Steps:

·     August–September 2025: Data collection and analysis from system sampling. Completion of water quality study and identification of high-risk areas.

·     September – October 2025: Implementation of corrective strategies (outlined below).

·     November 2025 – Ongoing: Monitoring and follow-up sampling to assess effectiveness; adjustments made as needed.

Planned Strategies:

·     Targeted system flushing to reduce water age and remove stagnant water from the distribution system, especially in areas with historically elevated TTHM levels.

·     Evaluation of automatic flushing stations at key locations to maintain regular turnover of water during summer months.

·     Investigation of long-term treatment upgrades such as tank aeration.

We are committed to keeping the public informed throughout this process. Please be assured that the safety and quality of your drinking water remain our highest priority.

For more information, please contact William Descoteaux at 401- 767-2200 EXT 320.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

Slatersville Public Supply

83 Greene Street

North Smithfield, RI 02896

401-767-2200

Subject: Clarification Regarding Public Notice for Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Exceedance

Dear Valued Customer,

You recently received a public notice regarding a violation of the drinking water standard for Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) in the Slatersville Public Water System (PWS#RI1615614) for the period of 7/1/2025 to 9/30/2025. We are writing to offer additional context and clarification regarding where and why this exceedance occurred, while reaffirming the information already provided in the official notice.

Important Context:

The exceedance reported in the public notice was specific to one location within our distribution system, which is part of the High-Pressure Zone. This zone is hydraulically separated from the Low-Pressure Zone.

·     High Pressure Zone Result: 81.5 ppb (this result contributed to the MCL violation)

·     Low Pressure Zone Result: 57.9ppb (below the 80 ppb standard)

Please note that federal and state regulations require system-wide notification when an MCL exceedance occurs, even if it is isolated to a single monitoring location. This ensures all customers are informed.

Why Did This Occur?

The elevated TTHM level in the High Pressure Zone is primarily due to routine seasonal practices. During warmer months, chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) is added at the Graham Booster Pump Station, which serves the 1,000,000-gallon storage tank on Comstock Road. This practice is necessary to maintain a minimum

0.20 mg/L chlorine residual throughout the distribution system and ensure continued protection against microbial contaminants.

However, during summer months, the combination of higher temperatures, natural organic matter, and increased water age can lead to increased TTHM formation, a known and regulated byproduct of chlorination.

What You Should Know:

·     The public notice remains accurate and valid, and our system is taking active steps to address the issue.

·     This letter is not intended to minimize the violation, but simply to clarify the specific location and operational contact behind the elevated result.

·     We are continuing to work with the Rhode Island Department of Health and our engineering consultants on strategies to reduce TTHM formation across the entire system.

We remain fully committed to delivering safe, high-quality drinking water and to keeping the public informed as we implement corrective actions outlined in the official notice.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact:

William Descoteaux

North Smithfield Water Department

Phone: (401)767-2200 EXT 320

The North Smithfield Zoning Board is seeking a Zoning Board Secretary. Please click the link below to view more details.

North Smithfield Building and Zoning Department is seeking a Zoning Clerk. Please click the link below to view more details.

North Smithfield Public Works is seeking an Assistant Water & Wastewater Superintendent. Please click the link below to view more details.

Important Payment Information

If you are paying your real estate, sewer, or water bills through your bank using Bill Pay, DO NOT send the payment to the lockbox Boston address that is listed on your bill. This will significantly delay your payment because the lockbox will reject the payment and forward it to our office because no payment stub is included.

Instead, you will need to create a new vender account using 83 Greene Street, North Smithfield, RI 02896 address. Please allow at least 10 business days for the bank to process your payment. We do not accept EFT and they will need to issue a paper check and mail it to us.

NS Heritage Walking Tours

 September 13. Lake Belair Gold Property Tour: View the town’s newest conservation area and historic cemetery. Meet at 10 am at Overlea Road opposite Lake Belair.

  September 27, Slatersville Walking Tour. Hear about Slatersville’s 19th-century history from National Park Service Rangers and Christian DeRezendes. Meet at 10 am at Heritage Hall, 101 Green Street, Slatersville. Park at the town hall next door.

 October 18, Reservoir Three Tour: View the Great Wall, the ruins of Obed Paine Farm, and a 19th-century quarry. Meet at 10 am at the NS High School Grange Road parking lot.

 November 8, Wunnashowatuckquet Conservation Area: View Harkness Hill and the Blackstone River. Meet at 10 am at the NS Fire Station, 675 St. Paul St.

 December 13 Forte Wildlife Refuge Tour: see remains of an 18th-century homestead and native ceremonial stone features. Meet at 10 am at the Refuge parking lot, 1435 Providence Pike, NS. 

Questions? Message This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 401-447-6394. 

North Smithfield Food Pantry

September

Food Pantry pick-up dates:

Tuesday, September 23rd & 30th@5:30pm

Saturday, September 20th & 27th@10:00am

The Food Pantry is for North Smithfield residents.

You must have a photo ID and a bill that confirms your North Smithfield address. You can attend the Food Pantry all four times it is open per month.

Please remember to bring your own bags!

The Pantry is located at the

Slatersville Congregational Church

UCC on the Common.

Questions? Call 401-678-0356 

For the month of September please donate:

canned soup, canned pasta and beans

North Smithfield Senior Services

Located at Scouter's Hall

13 Main Street, Slatersville

For more information contact Linda Thibault - 401-766-9564

Halliwell Multi-Generational Building Committee

83 Greene Street

Thursday, October 2, 2025 @ 6:00PM

Agenda

Live Streaming Open Meetings

LIVESTREAMING OPEN MEETINGS

A. Livestreaming for Town Council, Halliwell Multi-Generational Building Committee, Zoning Board and Planning Board: The Town will provide livestreaming for the open meetings of the Town Council, Halliwell Multi-Generational Building Committee, Zoning Board of Review, and Planning Board whenever feasible via YouTube, Zoom, or some other technology. If technical difficulties occur during the livestream of an open meeting, the open meeting will continue to proceed as scheduled without livestreaming. (Livestreaming increases public access to public meetings in addition to the right of the public to attend open meetings in person.)

B. Public must be physically present to participate. Members of the public, applicants, petitioners, expert s, etc. who want to participate in an open meeting in any fashion must be physically present at the meeting. Members of the public, applicants, petitioners, experts, etc. will not be allowed to participate in an open meeting remotely by offering comment, testimony, or other remarks. through virtual means.

C. No other Board, Commission, or Committee will be livestreamed: Except as specified above, the Town will not provide livestreaming for any other Board, Commission or Committee.

D. Technical Difficulties: If technical difficulties occur during any livestream, the open meeting will continue to proceed as scheduled.

E. Meetings of the Town Council, Halliwell Multi-Generational Building Committee, Zoning Board and Planning Board will be livestreamed on the Town' s YouTube page, North Smithfield Town Meetings. https:/ / www.youtube.com/ channel l/ UCFgwSKxL950ZgZ DKz8B-MQ

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This Institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer