What Happened: The West Main Road and Valley Road Water Main Breaks in Middletown

Is my water safe now?

Yes. The Rhode Island Department of Health notified the City that the notices could be removed after bacteria samples showed the absence of bacteria. You do not need to boil your water.

What should I do now that the notices have been lifted?

Follow these Rhode Island Department of Health post notice steps:

• Run both cold and hot tap water for 10 minutes. For a single lever faucet, run cold water first, then hot water. Continue to use cold water for drinking and cooking.
• Clean and sanitize refrigerator water dispensers and ice makers according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Flush the water dispenser for 3 to 5 minutes, run the ice maker for at least 30 minutes, discard the ice made during that period, and clean and sanitize the ice bin.
• Replace water treatment and refrigerator filter cartridges.
• After flushing the hot water pipes and water heater, run the dishwasher empty once.
• Discard water used in humidifiers or medical and healthcare devices, then rinse the devices with clean water or follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Discard baby formula and other foods prepared with tap water during the notice period.

Food establishments, schools, healthcare facilities, and other regulated facilities should follow the applicable Rhode Island Department of Health guidance for their operations.

My water looks cloudy or discolored. What should I do?

Cloudy or milky water is typically caused by air bubbles and should clear after the water stands for a few moments. For discolored water, first check whether the condition affects hot water, cold water, or both. If only hot water is affected, the issue is likely associated with the building’s water heater. If cold water is discolored, run a cold tap for 1 to 2 minutes. Contact Newport Water Division if the condition does not clear or if an unusual taste or odor persists.

Was the water actually contaminated?

The samples collected after the repairs did not detect bacteria. The notices were precautionary because the pressure losses created a risk that bacteria could enter the system. Issuing a precautionary notice does not mean that contamination was confirmed.

Why did the notices remain in place after the repairs?

Repairing a break and restoring service do not, by themselves, confirm water quality. The notices remained in place while the City completed the required chlorine adjustment, flushing, and bacteria sampling, and until the Rhode Island Department of Health notified the City that the notices could be removed.

Will this happen again?

Future water main breaks cannot be ruled out. Reliability is managed through inspection, maintenance, emergency response, and replacement or rehabilitation based on risk. Replacement timing also depends on regulatory requirements, service impacts, project coordination, and available funding.

How were customers notified?

The Rhode Island Department of Health reported that affected customers were contacted directly by the City. The City and the Rhode Island Department of Health also posted public notices. To receive future phone, email, or text notifications, register or update your information through the City’s emergency alert system.