Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Narragansett public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 issues in water utilities with medium priority
Sewer infiltration study for Congdon Street area
The town hired Beta Group for $127,725 to hunt down groundwater and stormwater leaking into the sewer system around the Congdon Street Pump Station — work tied to the sewer capacity concerns residents have raised.
Summit Road storm drainage
The council waived policy to fast-track a $124,815 repair of a 12-inch storm drain on Summit Road, and members agreed storm drains deserve more investment town-wide.
Spring Street and Bayberry Road drainage improvements
The town is spending $96,570 on design and permitting for drainage fixes on two flood-prone roads — the first step before construction.
Wastewater treatment plant compliance
The town's wastewater plant is back in full permit compliance after sensor replacements and process changes, hitting 99.8% on BOD removal. Ammonia removal isn't occurring under current conditions but testing confirmed it isn't the problem.
Sewer extension for failed septic at former Coastal Cabin restaurant
The former Coastal Cabin restaurant on Boston Neck Road closed partly because its septic system failed. The committee backed letting the new owner connect to town sewers instead — the property is outside the Sewer Area, so a policy waiver was needed.
Regional wastewater treatment capacity restored via URI lease
Good news buried in the details: a new lease deal with URI, signed December 2025, restored the town's sewer plant capacity to 1.42 million gallons per day. Current flow is running at 82.9% of that, so the town has some breathing room for new connections.