Septic and cesspool help in South Kingstown
South Kingstown got serious about cesspools before most of Rhode Island did. The town has its own wastewater management ordinance, and its cesspool rules go further than the state's.
How South Kingstown's rules differ
- Cesspools have a town deadline, not just a sale deadline. Under the town's program, a cesspool has to be upgraded within five years of being identified, and within 12 months of a property sale. In most of the state, only the sale or a failure starts the clock.
- The phase-out is nearly finished. According to DEM, the town-wide cesspool phase-out is close to complete. If your property still has one, expect the town to know about it.
- Routine inspections are required. The town's ordinance requires septic systems to be inspected at regular intervals. Ask the town what schedule applies to your system.
Near the salt ponds or the Narrow River
A good share of South Kingstown drains to the south shore salt ponds or to the Narrow River. In those coastal management areas, a cesspool being replaced has to be replaced with an advanced system that reduces nitrogen. These systems cost more to install and need ongoing maintenance, so get this answered before you budget for anything in Matunuck, Green Hill, or along the ponds. See what systems cost.
Sewer or septic?
Some of the town is sewered and much of it isn't. Check your bill or ask the town before assuming.
Loans
South Kingstown participates in the Community Septic System Loan Program, which offers low-interest loans of up to $25,000 in most programs for septic repairs and cesspool replacements. You apply through the town. Loan details.
Buying or selling in South Kingstown
Because the town tracks its systems, surprises here tend to be about cost rather than discovery. Before you make or accept an offer, find out what kind of system the property has, whether it's in a nitrogen-sensitive area, and when it was last inspected. The cesspool rule and the inspection page cover the state side.
Questions worth asking in South Kingstown
- Is my property inside the Salt Ponds or Narrow River management area?
- If the system has to be replaced, would it need to be a nitrogen-reducing design, and what does that add to the price?
- What ongoing maintenance does an advanced system need, and who does it?
- What inspection schedule does the town have on file for my system?
- Has the town ever flagged this property for a cesspool?
An advanced system isn't install-and-forget. Ask each company what the upkeep looks like over the years, not just the installed price, so you're comparing the full cost.
Tell us on the form: your village or ZIP, how close you are to a pond or the river, and what you know about the system.
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.