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South Kingstown - South Shore Water System Addresses Coliform Bacteria Detection; Assures Public Safety Measures in Place

Issue #005

27 Sep

South Kingstown - South Shore Water System Addresses Coliform Bacteria Detection; Assures Public Safety Measures in Place

In this South Kingstown Insider Issue…

📅 Upcoming Local Events

🌤️ South Kingstown Weather

💧 South Kingstown - South Shore Water System Addresses Coliform Bacteria Detection; Assures Public Safety Measures in Place

⚡️ Rhode Islanders to Face 24% Hike in Electricity Bills; PUC Offers Relief Measures for Winter

⚡️ South Kingstown Announces New Winter Electricity Rates

🎓 University of Rhode Island Debuts Fall Commencement for December Graduates

🏈 Rhode Island Football Drops to 24th After Villanova Defeat; Aims for Comeback Against Bryant

🤔 South Kingstown Trivia

Upcoming Local Events

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South Kingstown - South Shore Water System Addresses Coliform Bacteria Detection; Assures Public Safety Measures in Place

The South Shore water system recently surpassed the Microbiological Maximum Contaminant Level standard. While this isn't an emergency situation, customers are being informed about the occurrence and the steps being taken to address it. Regular monitoring detected the presence of total Coliform bacteria in a water sample taken on September 19, 2023. A subsequent sample on September 21, 2023, confirmed the bacteria's presence. However, other tests in the vicinity did not detect any Coliform.

Customers are advised that there's no need to boil water, but those with health concerns, especially individuals with compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly, should consult with their doctors. Coliform bacteria, which are naturally found in the environment, aren't typically harmful but can indicate the presence of other potentially harmful bacteria. The source of the Coliform is currently unknown, but factors like sample processing or disturbances in biofilm might have contributed.

To address the issue, the Town's Water Division will utilize a chlorine disinfection system, established in 2016 at the Mautucket Road water tank, to slightly increase chlorine levels temporarily and disinfect the system. Further water samples will be taken to ensure the bacteria's absence.

Rhode Islanders to Face 24% Hike in Electricity Bills; PUC Offers Relief Measures for Winter

As winter approaches, Rhode Islanders can expect a rise in their electricity bills starting next month. Rhode Island Energy had suggested new electric rates in July, which the state's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved Tuesday morning.

With the updated rate, the average residential household's utility bill will increase by $32.29, marking a surge of over 24%.

The new rate stands at 17.74 cents per kilowatt hour, up from the summer rate of 10.3 cents but slightly below the previous winter's 17.79 cents.

To help mitigate the increased costs, the state has suspended the gross earning tax for the winter and allocated $3 million to assist low-income residents.

The revised rate will be effective from Sunday and will last until March 2024.

South Kingstown Announces New Winter Electricity Rates

The South Kingstown Community Electricity program has unveiled new winter electricity supply rates, set to start from the November meter reading. These rates are fixed for a six-month period and will transition to summer rates in May 2024

The new rate stands at 17.641 cents per kilowatt hour, up from the summer rate of 9.361 cents (South Kingstown Standard Rate).

South Kingstown collaborates with six other municipalities in Rhode Island, all of whom have initiated municipal aggregation programs. These municipalities, including Barrington, Central Falls, Narragansett, Newport, Portsmouth, Providence, and South Kingstown.

The revised rate will be effective from November 2023 and will last until April 2024.

University of Rhode Island Debuts Fall Commencement for December Graduates

The University of Rhode Island will hold a new fall commencement ceremony on Dec. 16, 2023, at the Ryan Center for students completing their degrees in the fall semester.

This addition doesn't replace the traditional spring commencement but offers an extra celebration. Over 800 students are set to graduate this fall, and many might not attend the spring event due to work or further studies.

The decision for a fall ceremony came after feedback from students and graduates. Attendees of the fall event can also join the spring ceremony.

RAMS

Rhode Island Football Drops to 24th After Villanova Defeat; Aims for Comeback Against Bryant

Following a challenging defeat at Villanova, the Rhode Island football team has descended to 24th in the Stats Perform Top 25 rankings. Previously, the Rams held the 17th position and were also ranked 18th in the AFCA Coaches Top 25, from which they've now been excluded.

However, they remain close to re-entering the coaches poll, securing 45 votes, just four votes behind Mercer. CAA Football remains prominent in national rankings, with five teams, including William & Mary, Delaware, New Hampshire, and Villanova, making the list.

Rhode Island aims for a comeback in their upcoming Saturday match against Bryant at Meade Stadium, scheduled for a 1 p.m. kick-off.

🤔 South Kingstown Trivia

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