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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.
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