R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-18-2
Any person aggrieved or injured by the following of the pond raised by the dam, or by the stopping or raising of the water either above or below the dam, or by the backing of water under his or her land, or by the flowing out of any fall of water in his or her land by means of the dam, may commence a civil action, in the superior court for the county in which the dam is, against the owner of the dam or any precedent owner thereof, and a copy of the complaint shall be left by the officer serving the complaint in the office of the town clerk of the town in which the dam is; and the mill and milldam complained of, together with all their appurtenances and the land under and adjoining the mill and milldam, shall thenceforth be pledged and liable for the damages which may be recovered in the action.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-18-2