Dem. candidates for NK council want answers about Hunt Aquifer

The Standard Times
Jul 29, 2004

NORTH KINGSTOWN- The Democratic candidates for town council have written to Town Manager Richard Kerbel requesting answers to the question regarding the protection of the Hunt Aquifer.

The candidates (Suzanne Henseler, Jonathan Shippee, Jonathan Bertman, Edward Cooney and Edward Whittaker) that the aquifer is used by both the Town of North Kingstown as well as the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) at Quonset. It is imperative, they said in a prepared statement, that this water supply be available for the future growth and developments of both the town and Quonset.

The candidates said that it has come to their attention that the Kent County Water Authority also draws water from the Hunt River Aquifer.

"This might result in the proposed casino negatively impacting our own water supply," the candidates' statement said.

The Democratic candidates have requested a study by the Hunt Wellhead Protection Area Planning Committee to assure the North Kingstown residents that the Aquifer is not used to supply water to the proposed casino in West Warwick.

The candidates said they believe the answer to this question needs to be known immediately.