WPRO News and the AssociatedÂ
CRANSTON, R.I. (AP) – The Providence Water Supply Board is replacing or rehabilitating a 143-year-old water system that serves most Rhode Islanders.
The Providence Journal reports that the project includes replacing water-service connections to private property that contain lead and will end discolored water, slow water flow or diminished pressure due to old and clogged pipes.
The 20-year, $486 million plan began in 1996. Residential rates increased about 18 percent with the annual bill for a typical residential household rising to $382 from $322.
The Water Supply Board has upgraded nearly 8.5 miles of main in 2014 and plans to upgrade 12 more miles in 2015.
The system initially served Cranston, Johnston, North Providence, Providence and Warwick. Now it serves nearly 600,000 Rhode Islanders, or 60 percent of the population.
