The reliability of our water and sewer systems is the backbone of North Smithfield’s safety and economic future. However, years of underfunding and aging assets have left our infrastructure vulnerable. From the contamination of local wells to the "catastrophic failure" warnings issued by town leadership, the following record tracks the ongoing struggle to modernize our town's most essential services.
Water Infrastructure
The Route 146 Project and Regional Water Strategy
In June 2022, Rhode Island broke ground on a $196 million construction project on Route 146. Recognizing the potential for growth, North Smithfield approached Woonsocket in September 2022 to discuss selling water to the area.
Two years later, in June 2024, the town secured a grant to fund a study on infrastructure to bring water lines from Woonsocket to the area, as the reliance on well water had hampered business development. To fund the estimated $17 million project, the Economic Development Commission recommended a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plan.
By April 2025, the town continued to pursue the TIF under the guidance of consultants with Cameron Associates. In November, the town secured another $91,000 grant from Rhode Island Housing for ongoing studies to further develop the area.
Infrastructure Maintenance and Policy Decisions
North Smithfield faces ongoing challenges with poorly maintained water infrastructure. Many of these issues stem from the Town Council’s 2020 decision to exempt industrial and commercial areas from the town’s water supply overlay district.
In a move to secure approval for expansion, Material Sampling Technologies agreed to extend water lines to local residents. The company acknowledged that lines in the area were previously extended due to contaminated wells.
Contamination Alerts: PFAS and TTHM
Public health concerns peaked in May 2025, when North Smithfield launched a testing initiative for wells within a quarter-mile radius of the Primrose Fire Department after PFAS chemicals were identified. This initiative was supported by a $9.4 million grant from the federal EPA.
By September 2025, the North Smithfield Water Department notified residents of Slatersville that elevated levels of Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)—a common disinfection byproduct—were found in the water supply.
Funding Shortfalls and System Vulnerability
In July 2025, Town Administrator Scott Gibbs issued a formal warning to the Town Council: the town's sewer and water infrastructure is severely underfunded and vulnerable to catastrophic failure. Despite this warning, during a vote to fund a major infrastructure project on St. Paul Street, the Council ultimately only approved $90,000 of the proposed $180,000.
Most recently, in January 2026, the town hired Pare Corporation to complete a study on North Smithfield’s water assets and evaluate the Slatersville treatment system.
The Choice for North Smithfield: Modern Infrastructure or Continued Neglect?
Our water and sewer crisis didn't happen by accident—it is the result of specific choices made by our elected officials. When the Town Council votes to cut emergency infrastructure funding in half despite warnings of "catastrophic failure," they aren't just saving money; they are gambling with our public health and property values.
We cannot fix North Smithfield’s pipes until we fix the leadership at Town Hall. We deserve representatives who prioritize long-term safety over short-term political wins.
Take action on North Smithfield’s Water Infrastructure
A voluntary code is a suggestion, not a standard. North Smithfield deserves a government that is accountable to its people, not one that operates above the rules.
Email the Council: Demand that the Code of Conduct be made mandatory and enforceable.
Get Involved: Attend meetings of the Groundwater Protection Committee to learn how to advocate for water protections.
Vote: In November, cast your vote for candidates who will prioritize updating our water ordinances and infrastructure.