Water restrictions in 2 RI beach towns amid record heat, high demand caused pressure to drop

Water restrictions in 2 RI towns amid record heat

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Residents of two Rhode Island beach towns simmering in the heat are banned from using water outdoors and are being asked to boil and cool their water before using it.

Record high temperatures combined with the busy holiday weekend for tourists in Narragansett and South Kingstown have created higher-than-expected water demand. That caused pressure to drop, which can increase the chances of water becoming contaminated.

The ban on outdoor water use was issued Tuesday and continues Wednesday. It means no playing in a sprinkler to cool off, although showers are open at town beaches.

South Kingstown Public Services Director Jon Schock says it may take another day to get the pressure back.