R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-44.1-1
It is the finding of the general assembly that the health, safety, and welfare of many of the people of the state are being jeopardized by the failure of individual sewage disposal systems and the irremediable contamination of private drinking water wells; that these septic system failures or well contaminations while not necessarily the fault of the homeowner must either be remedied or the home must be abandoned; and that suitable remedies may be beyond the immediate financial resources of the homeowner. It is therefore the intent of the general assembly to establish a fund to be called the sewage system and water supply failure fund; and that the fund be used to provide the money necessary to remedy failed septic or water supply systems as provided in this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-44.1-1