Southern Rhode Island Groundwater Resilience Survey

The Charlestown Climate Resiliency Commission, in coordination with URI, USGS, DEM, and many local and regional partners, is working to scope a regional groundwater resilience assessment for South County. Before we design the study, we want to make sure it's built around the decisions and experiences that actually matter to the people and communities who depend on this water.

This survey has two parts. The first asks about your personal water supply and experience — if this doesn't apply to you, feel free to skip ahead. That said, any information you can share helps us build a more complete picture of what communities across the region are experiencing.

At the end of the first section, you'll be asked whether you have working knowledge of water management, planning, or environmental regulation. If you answer yes, you'll be directed to a short additional section that goes deeper on planning decisions and data needs.

What town do you live in?

What is your address or general area? (optional)

You can be as specific or general as you like — street address, neighborhood, or landmark (e.g. "north of Route 1" or "near Ninigret Pond"). This helps us map where issues are occurring.

My water comes from:

A private well on my property

A small community or district water system

Have you ever experienced a water quality issue with your supply?

Yes (confirmed by test)

Yes (suspected by taste, smell, color, or other signs)

How often do you experience low water pressure or quantity issues, especially in summer or dry periods?

Seasonally (e.g., during summer or dry spells)

If you answered yes to either of the above, what did you do? (all that apply)

Ignored it / waited for it to resolve

Reported it to a town or state agency

Drilled deeper or replaced the well

Bought bottled or delivered water

Connected to another water source

Nothing yet but concerned

Has anyone you know in the area experienced a significant water issue — a dry well, contamination event, prolonged low pressure, or similar? Please share as much detail as you're comfortable with.

These accounts help us identify areas where water stress may not yet be captured in existing data or models. You can share your own experience or something you've heard about in your community.

What concerns you most about your water supply?

Contamination or water quality

Running dry during drought or dry summers

Saltwater or flooding affecting my well

Long-term availability as climate changes

Impacts of new development on supply

Cost of addressing water problems

Not currently concerned

Which of the following would you be interested in or willing to consider for your household or property?

select all that apply

Voluntary water use tracking (logging how much I use, especially in summer)

Participating in a neighborhood well monitoring network (no expense to homeowner)

Having my well tested as part of a community-wide effort (no expense to homeowner)

Installing water-efficient fixtures or irrigation (at homeowner’s expense)

Reducing outdoor water use during drought periods

Do you have working knowledge of water management, land use planning, environmental regulation, or related technical fields — through your profession or a volunteer role?

Yes (professionally)

Yes (volunteer or board member)

If you answer yes above, you'll be routed to a short additional section on planning decisions and data needs. If you're not sure whether that section applies to you, answer no — you can always reach out to us directly if you'd like to share more.