R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-18-16: Maximum period of detention of natural stream.

No person owning any dam on any river or stream of water shall detain the natural stream thereof, at any one time, more than twelve (12) hours out of twenty-four (24) hours, except on Sundays, whenever he or she shall be requested by the owner of any dam within one mile below on the same stream to suffer the natural run of the river or stream to pass his or her dam.