Septic and cesspool help in North Kingstown
North Kingstown puts septic maintenance on a calendar. Under the town's wastewater management program, every property owner has to have their onsite system inspected or pumped once every three years. That includes cesspools.
What the town program asks of you
- A three-year cycle. Inspect or pump at least once every three years, and keep the paperwork.
- Use an approved inspector. The town publishes a list of approved OWTS inspectors each year. An inspection by someone off the list may not satisfy the requirement.
- Know your district. North Kingstown is divided into four wastewater management districts, based on groundwater protection areas, distance to the coast, and whether homes use wells and septic. Requirements can differ by district.
- If you have a cesspool, plan its replacement. The town tells cesspool owners to plan on replacing it. If you sell, state law takes over and gives the new owner one year. How the cesspool rule works.
The town's loan program
North Kingstown takes part in the Community Septic System Loan Program, run locally by the Water Department. Loans range from $1,000 to $25,000, with terms of 3, 5, 7, or 10 years, for repairing or replacing a septic system or cesspool. One condition worth knowing: any system paid for with the loan has to include an effluent filter and risers to grade, which makes future inspections and pump-outs easier.
Sewer or septic?
Parts of town have sewer service and many neighborhoods don't. If you're not sure, your utility bill or the town can tell you.
Buying or selling in North Kingstown
Ask for the property's inspection and pumping history early. In a town that requires records every three years, a missing history is a question worth raising. Near Wickford Harbor, the bay, or the Narrow River, ask whether an advanced system would be required if the existing one ever has to be replaced. More on inspections.
Questions worth asking in North Kingstown
- Are you on the town's approved inspector list for this year?
- Which of the four wastewater management districts is my property in, and does that change what's required?
- Does my tank have an effluent filter and risers, and if not, what would adding them cost?
- If I use the town loan, what does the system have to include to qualify?
- Will you file the inspection or pumping record with the town, or do I?
Risers and a filter aren't glamorous, but they're cheap next to a new system, and they turn every future three-year visit into a shorter, less expensive job.
Tell us on the form: which part of town you're in, when the system was last inspected or pumped, and whether you've received a notice from the town.
Send one request
Tell us what's going on and which town you're in. It takes a couple of minutes and costs nothing. A confirmation email arrives right away. We review every request and work to connect you with a licensed Rhode Island septic professional who serves your town.
Sewage coming up in the house or yard? Don't wait on a form. Call a licensed pumper now.