Water Meters

The Meter Section is responsible for obtaining meter readings and to ensure consumption is measured accurately and consistently. The Newport Water Division is currently in the process of installing outside meter readers to allow taking a meter reading without entering the premises. Any questions regarding the accuracy, replacement, or installation of meters should be directed to the Meter Section located at 70 Halsey Street, Newport, RI 02840 or call (401) 845-5606.

Reading Your Water Meter

Check for Leaks

If your water consumption is high or you feel that you are using a large amount of water, check for leaks.

To use your water meter to detect leaks, turn off all water fixtures and appliances and make sure that no one is using water. Record the meter reading and return in two to three hours to check for movement. If the meter reading has changed, you may have a leak. Another method, is that many meters have a small red diamond or triangle shaped indicator on the meter face designed to detect even small leaks. If this red indicator is moving when you have all water off inside and outside your house, you may have a leak.

One significant source of leaks is a leaky toilet. Leaking toilets cause more water waste than any other fixture in the home. Toilets can waste large amounts of water without being noticed. A silent toilet leak will waste 30 to 500 gallons per day. To check for a leak in the toilet, put several drops of food coloring into your toilet tank. Do not flush for 30 minutes. If colored water appears in your bowl during that time, you have a leak that should be repaired.

Radio Read Meter Reading System

In May, 2008 the City Council approved a $2.6 million contract to convert the current water meter system, which consists of approximately 15,000 meters, to a radio read system. The project consists of replacement of approximately 10,000 water meters and the installation of radio read transceiver units on all the new meters as well as retrofitting the remaining existing meters.

Also included will be new handheld reading devices, new software interface with the current billing system and training for Water Division staff. The conversion of the entire meter system is expected to occur over the next 2 years. The end result of this project will enable the Water Division to consistently and accurately read all meters on a regularly scheduled basis, thus minimizing unaccounted for water, estimated billings, and customer inconveniences.

Customers will be receiving notices as the project proceeds to coordinate the contractors work. The Newport Water Division appreciates our customer's cooperation and patience as this meter system improvement project proceeds!