216 R.I. Code R. 216-RICR-50-05-2.12

Current through November 21, 2024

Section 216-RICR-50-05-2.12 - Mandatory Testing Requirements for Private Water Supplies

2.12.1 Applicability

A. All wells that will be used for potable water supply shall be tested:

1. Before a certificate of occupancy may be granted for the building(s) it is intended to serve, whether new or previously occupied; and

2. Prior to the sale or transfer (as defined herein) of ownership of real property.

3. Whenever a new well or well field is installed that would serve as a new source to an existing building(s).

B. All wells subject to submission of a well record or local well permit shall be required to be tested as described in this section.

2.12.2Minimum Testing Requirements

At a minimum, all private wells subject to these regulations shall be required to test for those constituents presented in Table 1 of §2.12.2 of this Part. Local building officials may add additional constituents based on their knowledge of local conditions or issues.

TABLE 1 - Minimum Constituents and Testing Requirements
Constituents. The minimal list of constituents needed for testing.	Testing Requirements (see guidance for testing frequency recommendations)
Alkalinity (as CaCO3)	For certificate of occupancy (new well for new or existing building) or transfer of real property
Total Coliform && Fecal or Escherichia Coliform
Hardness (as CaCO3)
Chloride
Fluoride
Iron
Lead
Manganese
Nitrate/Nitrite
pH
Specific Conductance
Sulfate
Total Dissolved Solids
Turbidity
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). At a minimum, VOC testing must include the regulated VOCs listed in the "Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Public Drinking Water."
MTBE. No MCL available, Rhode Island State Health Advisory level at 40 ppb.

2.12.3New Private Water Systems

A. Prior to being placed into service, the local building official shall classify all new private water systems or existing systems with new sources as commercial/mixed use, multi-family residential, single/duplex residential rental, or individual, as described in § 2.4 of this Part. This classification shall be used to determine recommended guidance on testing and reporting for systems by type.

B. All required testing shall be performed on the well water in preparation for issuance of Certificate of Occupancy. However, Communities (building officials) or well drilling regulations may require preliminary screening tests to be completed prior to issuance of a building permit or initiation of construction.

C. All required testing shall be performed after all plumbing and water-using appliances are in place and the system has been properly disinfected. The sampling point for this sample shall be an interior faucet that yields untreated (raw) well water. Any and all drinking water quality treatment systems in-place shall be identified and noted.

D. All water samples for lead analyses shall be acquired as "first draw" samples from the cold-water tap. Bubblers or drinking fountains shall not be satisfactory sampling points. Any and all treatment systems in-place shall be identified and noted.

2.12.4Transfer of Existing Private Water Systems

A. In conjunction with R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-20.8-12, during the transfer or sale of any real property, served by a well(s) or which has a well(s) capable of being placed into service as a drinking water source, the well water shall be tested for, at a minimum, those constituents contained in Table 1 of §2.12.2 of this Part and any other constituents detected during previous testing.

B. All water samples for lead analyses shall be acquired as "first draw" samples from the cold-water tap. Bubblers or drinking fountains shall not be satisfactory sampling points. Any and all treatment systems in-place shall be identified and noted.

C. Licensed interpreters shall interpret analytical results for compliance with adopted standards as stated within. Licensed interpreters shall submit letter reports containing their findings to their clients and the existing owners/designees.

D. The existing owner/designee shall make available for review to potential buyers/transferees, any and all letter reports and supporting data in owner/designee's possession that relate to the water quality of the property in question, for the prior ten (10) years.

216 R.I. Code R. 216-RICR-50-05-2.12