Rhode Island General Laws Title 46. Waters and Navigation § 46-12.8-6. Authorization to expend funds available for local grants

In addition to the financial assistance provided by the agency to local governmental units and private water companies for approved projects in accordance with this chapter, the department is hereby authorized to expend funds otherwise available for grants to local governmental units and private water companies to the extent permitted by federal and state law. The department is authorized and directed to expend funds from its portion of federal capitalization grants to conduct baseline testing of the drinking-water-supply systems of each local governmental unit responsible for the ownership or operation of water supply facilities within the state, or privately organized water suppliers, that provide drinking water to more than one municipality, for compliance with all state and federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to lead and copper levels in drinking water supplies. The department is further authorized and directed to expend funds from its portion of federal capitalization grants to conduct testing of water supplies at all public schools serving students from pre-K to grade 12 and state-licensed daycare facilities in the state of Rhode Island for compliance with all state and federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to lead and copper levels in drinking water supplies. The department shall report its findings to the speaker of the house and senate president by April 30, 2017, which report shall include a plan for ensuring compliance with all state and federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to lead and copper levels in drinking water supplies.