New water conservation system heads to Carcieri

PROVIDENCE—Rhode Island lawmakers have approved legislation that could raise the cost of wasting water but offer discounts for those who conserve.

The bill approved Thursday by the state Senate was meant to protect the state’s rivers and water supplies from running dry during hot weather or a drought. House lawmakers approved the bill Wednesday.

To encourage conservation, it would allow more than two dozen water suppliers in Rhode Island to raise water rates on those who use too much. Discounts would also be possible for those who limit their use.

The bill does not specify what the new water rates would be. Instead, it authorizes the state Water Resources Board to set guidelines on how much water a normal household should be expected to use.