On a quiet side street in Hampden Meadows, a contractor has set up a sprinkler near some newly-planted grass seed.

By 9:30 a.m. the sprinkler is on, splashing water across a small section of seed-covered dirt. It also soaks the newly installed driveway and a 10-by-10-foot section of the road. 

The sprinkler runs steady until around 4 p.m., when the contractor appears again and turns off the hose. He will be back again the next morning to repeat the process.

Meanwhile, less than a mile away in neighboring Swansea, Mass., signs announce a water ban: All non-essential outdoor watering is restricted. Repeat violators can face $100 fines. 

It has been weeks since this area has seen any significant rainfall. The dry-spell has left most non-irrigated lawns dry and crunchy, reflecting a light tan color instead of the typical green. 

Despite the rainless last few weeks, there is no water ban in effect for Barrington, Bristol or Warren. 

Bristol County Water Authority Executive Director Steve Coutu said there have not been any advisories issued by the Providence water system, which is where the BCWA gets its water.

“We’re very fortunate being connected with the Providence water system. It’s a very robust and healthy system,” Coutu said. 

The BCWA’s top administrator said he spoke with Providence water system officials this week and they reported that the water levels are right around the historical averages for this time of year. Typically, late July and August tend to be drier months, although last July was one of the wettest on record, he said.  

Coutu said the water reservoirs are closely monitored.

“They check (the water supply) daily,” he added. 

Coutu said that while the area has had a lack of precipitation over the last few weeks, the rainfall amounts tend to impact water supplies differently. 

Coutu said the last time the Providence water system issued a water ban was in the mid-1990s, and even then it was a voluntary ban.

On Friday, BCWA issued a press release that offered drought information. It shared insight into the authority’s drought management plan, and stated that the Rhode Island Water Resources Board monitors major drought indicators, including precipitation, streamflow, groundwater, and the the Scituate Reservoir level.

“Our water supply comes from the Scituate Reservoir which serves approximately 60 percent of the state’s drinking water,” stated the press release. “The reservoir is currently at 89 percent of its capacity which is just a percent below the historical average for this time of year…

“During this time, we encourage our customers to continue to use water wisely and efficiently. Historically, BCWA customers use an average of 43-45 gallons per person per day which is one of the lowest usage rates in the state and less than the state-wide target goal of 65 gallons per person per day.

“Presently we do not feel that there is a need to implement any mandated water use restrictions. However, should the situation change, we will act in accordance with state recommendations for water restrictions and conservation.”

Warren wells

While the Bristol County Water Authority provides water to Warren residents, some folks in that town use wells as their primary source. And according to Warren officials, those relying on wells have experienced some issues recently.

Warren Fire Chief James Sousa issued a public service announcement to those in town who use private wells, asking residents to constrict water usage amidst "critically low water levels" observed.

“It has been brought to my attention that some residents who rely on private wells for water supply are experiencing signs of critically low water levels,” stated a press release from Chief Sousa. “While the town is not able to impose any mandatory restrictions on the use of private water supplies, we would like to take this opportunity to request and recommend that all residents in these areas limit non-essential water use to the greatest extent possible due to the exceptionally dry conditions…Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated.”