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

Read the digits on the meter from left to right. Please include the stationary zero on the extreme right end (if there is more than one stationary zero, please note). To help identify the meter properly, please include the meter number which is embossed on the brass side or intake valve on the meter. If you wish to do a reading to the gallon, please read all numbers and insert the closest number to the sweep hand is pointing to in place of the stationary zero.

 

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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 gear 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.

 

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Radio Read Meter Reading System

The conversion of the water meter system to new radio read technology is in the final stages of completion. Almost 100% of the system has been converted, which allows 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.

 

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Meter Tests

A Customer may request the Newport Water Division conduct a flow test on their meter by completing the request form.  The meter is returned to the Newport Water Division to be tested on the calibrated meter testing bench.  The charge for the meter test shall be payable in advance.  If upon completion of the test, the meter is found to be in excess of 2%, plus or minus, of actual the charge is refunded.  The charge per the current RIPUC Rate Schedule is as follows:

•  Meter sizes 2- inches or less - $65.00
•  Meter sizes greater than 2- inches – Labor cost plus 78% overhead and contractor cost plus 25% overhead.  

The meter test will be scheduled at a mutually convenient time and the customer may witness the test.  Water service to the property will be terminated during the meter test but reactivated immediately upon completion of the test.  Written meter test results will be provided within 5 business days of completion of the test.