Rhode Island General Laws Title 22. General Assembly § 22-7.1-3. Duties

It shall be the duty of the joint committee to consult and counsel with the state water resources board, the water department of the several cities, towns and water districts of the state, and all federal, state, and municipal agencies and quasi-municipal corporations dealing with development and operation of water supplies, water control structures, water works, purification plants, desalination methods and plants, and water pipe lines and distribution systems, and to conduct a continuing study and review of the water requirements, resources, supplies, and methods of acquisition and distribution throughout the state. It shall constantly review the needs and water resources of all the communities of the state and explore the desirability of merging or integrating several water departments and water companies. It shall investigate the feasibility of utilizing water reservoirs for recreational purposes. It shall also evaluate the reasonableness of water rates and charges.