R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-5-16: Diversion of water to damage of individuals prohibited.

No surveyor of highways shall cause any watercourse in any highway to be so conveyed as to incommode any person’s land, house, store, shop or other building, or to obstruct any person in the prosecution of his or her business or occupation, without the consent or approbation of the town council of the town, signified in writing to the surveyor.