Rhode Island General Laws Title 46. Waters and Navigation § 46-25-22.1. Shut off of water supply for nonpayment of sewer user fees, charges, and assessments

(a) Notwithstanding the provision of § 46-25-22, the commission is authorized to order any water supplier which services any person assessed by the commission pursuant to § 46-25-22 to terminate the water supply service of any person for nonpayment of sewer user fees, charges, and assessments. The commission will abide by the rules and regulations of the Public Utilities Commission governing water shut-offs.

(b) Upon notification by the commission to terminate service, the water supplier shall within fourteen (14) days terminate said service and notify the commission that said termination has occurred. Upon notification by the commission, the water supplier shall restore the water supply in accordance with the water supplier's policy on water supply restoration.

(c) The commission shall have the authority to assess any person any fees, charges and assessments affiliated with the shut off and restoration of service.

(d) When service is provided to a residence occupied by a tenant, the tenant may, after paying the fees, charges and assessments in order to restore or prevent termination of service, deduct the amount paid from the rent due the landlord. The tenant shall provide the landlord with a copy of the receipt from the commission when making a deduction from the rent.