Dry conditions, consumer demand prompt outdoor water ban in Narragansett, South Kingstown

(WJAR) — Dry conditions and consumer demand has prompted an outdoor water ban in Narragansett and South Kingstown.

Automatic irrigation systems and outdoor showers are restricted— both at the beach and residences.

Beach-goers at Scarborough State Beach were surprised by the ban Monday, but say it didn’t impact them too much, as the indoor showers are usable.

Outdoor showers at Roger Wheeler State Beach, Salty Brine State Beach, and East Matunuck State Beach are also shut off in response to the lack of recent rain.

Veolia Rhode Island water system customers, Town of South Kingstown South Shore and Middle Bridge water system customers, and all water system customers in Narragansett are restricted from outdoor water usage.

“Over the weekend we saw a huge increase in the demand locally here and we had to take action,” said Veolia Operations Manager, Chris Jacobs.

Jacobs said they serve about 9,000 customers and wholesale to South Kingstown and Narragansett.

“We really depend on a nice steady rain to soak into the ground and recharge our aquaphors, so heavy quick rains don’t help us,” said Jacobs.

Storm Team 10 said the last time Kingston got an inch or more of rain in a single day was back on May 22.

Conserving water and turning off outdoor showers at some state beaches should help get the water levels back to where they need to be.

“It can save thousands per day, if not hundreds of thousands of gallons per day,” said Jacobs. “We have a finite precious resource we have to be conscious of,” he said.

Jacobs said the goal is to get the water levels stabilized at or above 50%, and the faster that happens, the faster they can lift the ban.

“We’re sitting right now at about 35to 40%,” said Jacobs.