Town of North Smithfield

December 12, 2025

Town Hall will be closed

Wednesday, December 24th

Thursday, December 25th

Trash/Recycling will not be picked up on Thursday, December 25th

It will be picked up on the 26th

The remaining days for yard waste pick up are

Saturday, December 13th and 20th

Wishing All A Very Happy Holiday Season!!

North Smithfield Heritage Assn – 2026 Calendars

The new high-quality calendars are now available. They feature photos of local historic buildings and landmarks taken by local photographers, Larry Smith and Julie Tilley, as well as the address and a brief historical summary of each location. This year, the calendar includes a handy Town Government Directory on the back page.

Calendars are available for $10 at the Town Hall, Village Paint and Decorating, Leeway Ace Hardware, the Memorial Town Building, the Forestdale School, and at the NSHA Online Store ($5 shipping fee) at www.nsheritageassn.org. 

The NSHA accepts payment by PayPal and Venmo. All proceeds support volunteer preservation activities and events.

For further information contact:

Richard F. Keene 

401-447-6394

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 10/1/2025 to 12/31/2025 (Quarter 4 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 10/1/2025 to 12/31/2025 (Quarter 4 2025) was 89.5 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.

What We Have Done:

·        Collected water samples throughout the distribution system to identify areas with elevated TTHMs.

·        Flushed system areas to reduce water age and improve water quality.

·        Engaged engineering consultants to evaluate system improvements, including automatic flushing points and potential long-term treatment upgrades.

Current and Next Steps:

·        Continue targeted flushing and monitoring of the water system to ensure corrective measures are effective.

·        Implement additional strategies identified by engineers to reduce TTHMs.

·        Ongoing follow-up sampling to track water quality and adjust strategies as needed.

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.

DATED:  12/03/2025

Slatersville Public Supply

83 Greene Street

North Smithfield, RI 02896

401-767-2200

Date: 12/3/2025

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 10/1/2025 to 12/31/2025. 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.

Clarification: The exceedance reported in the public notice was specific to a single location within our distribution system, located in the High-Pressure Zone (which extends south from the Branch River at Providence Pike).

This High-Pressure Zone is hydraulically separated from the Low-Pressure Zone, (which serves areas north and northeast from the Branch River at Main Street). Please refer to the map below for a visual representation of these zones.

Important Context:

·     High Pressure Zone Result: 89.5 ppb (this result contributed to the MCL violation)

·     Low Pressure Zone Result: 59.5 ppb (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.

The combination of higher water 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 context 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 questions or need further clarification, please contact:

William Descoteaux

North Smithfield Water Department

Phone: (401) 767-2200 EXT 320

RIDOT TO FULLY OPEN ROUTE 146/SAYLES HILL ROAD

FLYOVER BRIDGE ON DECEMBER 17-18

Starting on Wednesday night, December 17, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will begin shifting travel lanes on Route 146 so that all traffic will use the new flyover bridge the Department has been building to eliminate the traffic signal at Sayles Hill Road in North Smithfield. This intersection has the only traffic light on all of Route 146 in Rhode Island, was a source of significant congestion and travel delay, and is one of the most active crash sites in the state, averaging more than 85 crashes per year.

Two of the four lanes on Route 146 are currently using the bridge, and RIDOT will transition the remaining two to the bridge over two nights. All northbound traffic will be using the new bridge effective Wednesday night, December 17, and all southbound traffic will be using the bridge as of Thursday night, December 18.

With the movement of all traffic to the flyover bridge, drivers can use the service roads on each side of the highway to access Sayles Hill Road and local businesses. New signals with pedestrian crossing features are in place at the service roads and Sayles Hill Road.

The flyover bridge is the signature element in RIDOT’s $196 million project to make numerous improvements to this busy highway corridor used by approximately 171,000 vehicles per day. In addition to the flyover, the project is building new frontage roads at the Sayles Hill Road intersection, replacing multiple bridges, completely reconstructing the Route 146/Route 146A interchange, removing dangerous U-turns, paving 8 miles of road, and adding bus-on-shoulder accommodations along the southern end of Route 146 in North Providence and Providence. Final completion of the entire project is expected in summer 2026.

Thanks to the efforts of Rhode Island's congressional delegation, RIDOT secured a $65 million USDOT INFRA Grant to help fund the project.

All construction projects are subject to changes in schedule and scope depending on needs, circumstances, findings, and weather.

The Route 146 project is made possible by RhodeWorks. RIDOT is committed to bringing Rhode Island's infrastructure into a state of good repair while respecting the environment and striving to improve it. Learn more at www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks [5artinnab.cc.rs6.net].

Preservation Repairs to Pound Hill Road Bridge

RIDOT will be making concrete repairs to Bridge No. 443 carrying Route 146 over Pound Hill Road in North Smithfield beginning in April 2026. The timeframe for the work is estimated to be eight months from April 15^th through December 15^th. During this timeframe we will be utilizing varying traffic control setups on Pound Hill Road, including shoulder closures, lane shifts, and single-lane alternating traffic from 9:00am until 3:00pm Monday through Friday. A minimum of one 11’ travel lane will remain open to alternating traffic during these periodic times. More detailed scheduling information will be available once the project is awarded, and the contractor submits a formal work schedule.  

The North Smithfield Zoning Board is seeking a Zoning Board Secretary. 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.

Yard waste pick up will be the following Saturdays ONLY for the remainder of the year

October 11th and 25th

November 1st, 8th and 22nd

December 6th, 13th and 20th

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

December

Food Pantry pick-up dates:

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

Saturday, December 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 December please donate:

baked beans, toothpaste and toothbrushes

North Smithfield Senior Services

Located at Scouter's Hall

13 Main Street, Slatersville

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

North Smithfield Town Council

1850 Providence Pike

Monday, December 15, 2025 @ 6:45PM

Agenda

North Smithfield Charter Review Committee

83 Greene Street

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 @ 7:00PM

Agenda

North Smithfield Sewer Commission Meeting

83 Greene Street

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 @ 7:00PM

Agenda

North Smithfield Economic Development Committee

83 Greene Street

Thursday, December 18, 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