Frequently Asked Questions

There is water bubbling out of the ground. What should I do?

Water bubbling out of the ground could indicate a water main break. Please call (401) 845-5600 to report the location.

There is a water valve box/meter pit sticking out of the sidewalk that looks dangerous. How will this get repaired?

Please contact the Newport Water Division, located at 70 Halsey Street, Newport RI, at (401) 845-5600.

Please be prepared to provide basic details of the hazard's location, like street name and nearest house number.

My water is discolored. What can I do?

First, determine whether the problem is hot or cold. Run them individually. If the problem occurs in the hot water only, it may be a hot water heater problem. If the discolored water is in the cold line, it may be your service line or the water main. Run several cold water taps for one or two minutes. If the water clears up, it is likely your service line.

If the water remains dirty after several minutes of flushing, it is likely the main and we suggest you call the Newport Utilities Division at (401) 845-5600.

Please remember that distribution systems are many miles of connected water mains and discolored water problems are typical and inevitable. They occur due to a variety of actions including fire hydrant operation, valve operation, aging mains, pressure testing and flushing and will generally clean up with no action.

I have low water pressure. Can you help?

Our distribution system pressures are dictated by the elevation of water levels in our three storage tanks. The elevation of these tanks varies in our three pressure systems. The lower you are in relationship to you storage, the greater the pressure you should have.

Likewise, the higher you are in relationship to your storage tank, the lower pressure you should have. If you have uneven pressure throughout the house, certain appliances may have individual problems such as plugged screens on a kitchen sink or partially closed valves.

In some cases, aging service lines entering the house may be the problem and may require replacement. Please contact the Newport Water Division at (401) 845-5600 if you have additional questions.

How do I get water service or renew an existing service?

The process begins by contacting the Newport Water Division, located at 70 Halsey Street, Newport, RI, at (401) 845-5600. A water service application must be completed and submitted with a drawing for review.

The Water Division will request additional information if necessary prior to issuing a permit to tie in. Tie-ins may not occur prior to written approval from the Newport Water Division. Domestic water services must be exclusive of any other service.

My building needs a sprinkler system because of new fire regulations. How do I get a fire service?

The process begins by contacting the Newport Water Division, located at 70 Halsey Street, Newport RI, at (401) 845-5600. A water service application must be completed and submitted with a drawing for review.

Tap sizes available for fire services are 4"-12" with various annual charges. The Water Division will request additional information if necessary prior to issuing a permit to tie in. Tie-ins may not occur prior to written approval from the Newport Water Division. Fire services must be exclusive of any other service.

Can you tell me what my account balance is?

Yes. Call 845-5604 for the Billing Clerk. Please have you account number handy so we may provide prompt service.

How many water bills do I receive each year?

Most residential customers are billed 4 times per year - on July 1st, October 1st, January 1st and April 1st.

I am a landlord and I would like to switch the account over to my tenants name and service address. Is this possible?

No. It is the policy of the Newport Water Division to keep the water/sewer utility in the name of the owner of record. The bill is mailed to the owner and it is the responsibility of the owner to forward the billing along to their tenants.

My water account has a number of estimated water readings. How can I get an actual reading done and how do I apply for an outside remote reader?

You may contact the Meter Section at 845-5606 for assistance with your water meter.