Billing Office

The Department of Utilities strives to maintain the highest quality water metering and billing system, which accurately measures consumption and tracks payments for billable services while providing exceptional customer service. Please view the Department of Utilities, Newport Water Division Rate Schedule for detailed information regarding water charges (per the RIPUC Order for Docket 24-30-WW, in effect since March 1, 2025). To see past rate schedules, visit our Filing Docket page. Continue reading for more information regarding additional charges and fees and frequently asked questions.

Our goal is to provide an accurate water bill in a timely and consistent manner. The Collection Office at City Hall offers customers who need extended payment options alternatives consistent with policies and procedures.

You may now go online to view the amount owed and make a payment electronically (Visa and MasterCard are accepted) by visiting: the Utility Bill Portal. On the website, select "Quick pay". Enter your account number and select "Find bill". The account number can be found on the front of your mailed bill. The "B" and dash are required, as shown on the bill. The online system has many functions, including:

• Quick pay (pay your bill without logging in)
• Schedule payment (schedule which day your payment method is charged)
• Set up auto-pay (your payment method will be automatically charged when payment is due)
• View previous bills
• View your water consumption
• Download your bill
• View your payment history

If you would like to pay your bill in person, you may pay by cash, debit/credit card, check, or money order at the Collections Office, located on the first floor at City Hall, OR you may pay by check or money order at the Department of Utilities located at 70 Halsey Street.

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Understanding Additional Bill Fees & Charges

Sewer Use Charge (Customers with a City of Newport Service Address)
Water usage directly impacts the sanitary sewer system as most water eventually becomes wastewater flowing through the sewer system. Higher water usage leads to a greater volume of wastewater needing to be processed and treated; as the standard industry practice, the Sewer Use Charge is based on a customer's water consumption. The Sewer Use Charge is only billed to water customers with a City of Newport service address; while the Department of Utilities water system extends across Aquidneck Island, the sanitary sewer system is confined to the City of Newport. 

The sewer use charge is $19.80 per 1000 gallons of metered water usage, established by ordinance, Section 13.12.010. A change to the sewer use charge requires two public hearings before the City Council.

The Department of Utilities does not grant adjustments to metered water charges. However, the Department recognizes that an extraordinarily high bill resulting from water leaks causing unpreventable water usage can present financial hardship to a customer. While the charge for the metered water cannot be abated, the Department does consider and will allow for one-time abatement of sewer charges attributable to a specific incident. The Sewer Abatement Policy permits a one-time abatement within a ten-year period for the excess sewer consumption above typical consumption due to an unpreventable water release that did not enter the City sewer system. Review the Sewer Abatement Policy for information regarding eligibility and instructions on completing the Sewer Abatement Request Form (Form is on the second page after the Policy). 

CSO Fixed Fee (Customers with a City of Newport Service Address)

Per ordinance Section 13.12.015, the CSO Fixed Fee is an annual charge prorated based on the customer's monthly billing cycle. The revenues generated from the CSO Fixed Fee are maintained in a restricted Water Pollution Control Account. Funds in this account are used only for projects associated with the City's Long-Term CSO Control Plan as approved by the RIDEM. The fee is based on the size of the customer's water meter. A change to the CSO Fixed Fee requires two public hearings before the City Council.

The CSO Annual Fixed Fee Schedule (excluding irrigation accounts):

WATER METER SIZE	CSO FIXED Fee
<1"	$192.00
1"	$265.00
1.5"	$500.00
2"	$733.00
3"	$1,774.00
4"	$2,951.00
5"	$4,478.00
6"	$5,894.00

Industrial Pretreatment Charges (Commercial and Industrial Waste Customers)

In accordance with the Clean Water Act and approved by the RIDEM, the City established the Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP) per ordinance, Chapter 13.10. The IPP is intended to prevent the introduction of pollutants from commercial and industrial operations into the City's water pollution control treatment facility located on Connell Highway. The IPP applies to all commercial and industrial users of our wastewater treatment facility.

In accordance with federal and state regulations, the City established a fee schedule in order to recover costs for the program. The ordinance provides detailed information as to what users are affected and the various fees that are assessed. A change to the IPP Ordinance requires two public hearings before the City Council. For more information, commercial and industrial waste customers regulated by the IPP can visit the Industrial Pretreatment Program page.

Water Quality Protection Charge

A Water Quality Protection Charge based on actual water consumption is mandated by Rhode Island General Law, § 46-15.3-5. A property owner age 65 and above is exempt from this charge if they are the property owner of record and do not rent the property at any time during the year and the property qualifies as the owners primary residence. If you meet the above criteria, please complete the Exemption Application and return by mail or in person to the Department of Utilities, Billing Office at 70 Halsey Street, Newport RI 02840.

If you have previously applied for and been granted an exemption, you do not need to reapply.

Miscellaneous Charges (Water)

Temporary Water Service: This is a fee applicable to all temporary meters furnished by the Water Division for temporary purposes including, but not limited to, items such as construction or renovation. $11.36/1000 gal; meter rental $10.00 per day; Labor costs plus 75%; $60 minimum. There is a $1000 deposit required for rental of a temporary meter and a Temporary Water Service Application must be submitted.

Meter Testing: This fee is applicable to all meters returned to the Water Division for testing and for in site testing of meters larger than 2". Meters under 2" $65.00 in advance. Meters greater than 2" Labor cost plus 75% and contractor cost plus 25%.

Service Turn-on and Turn-off: This fee is for meters installed, removed, or turned off at the customers request. $40.00 during business hours 7:00am - 3:30pm; Labor costs plus 75% after business hours (after 3:30pm).

Turn-on charge: This fee is applicable to all water services turned on after cessation for violations (such as non payment) which resulted in a shut off. Charges are payable prior to turn-on. $40.00 during business hours 7:00am - 3:30pm; Labor costs plus 75% after business hours (after 3:30pm).

Meter Connection / Service Fee: This is applicable to all meter installations and also maintenance due to breakage, tampering, overheating or freezing due to owner neglect or abuse. Material and equipment costs plus 25%; Labor costs plus 75%; $50.00 tapping fee for new service; Police detail at cost.

Interest on delinquent accounts: Amounts not paid by the due date will accumulate interest from the due date to the payment date. The due date is 30 days after the billing date and is listed on each statement. 18% per annum.

Interim Water Bills: A fee will be charged for all interim water bills requested by customers. $35.00 per request.

Laboratory Sample Testing: A fee is assessed for the laboratory testing of water samples at the request of customers. Material and testing charge plus 25%; Labor costs plus 75%.

Flow Testing: This is the charge assessed for the flow testing of service connections performed at customer request. Labor costs plus 75%; $40.00 minimum.

Pressure Testing: This charge is assessed for the pressure testing of new or existing service connections done at customer request. Labor costs plus 75%; $40.00 minimum.

Water Service Application Fee: This is a charge assessed for the review of an application for water service. It is applicable to both applications for new service and applications for renewal of service. This fee is payable prior to the processing of the application. Residential $60.00; Commercial $100.00.

Statement Charge: This fee is assessed for supplying the customer with a duplicate copy of an invoice or statement. It applies to paper and electronic copies. This fee will be added to subsequent bills. $2.50 per statement/invoice.

Photocopying: This is a fee assessed for the photocopying of other documents. It is on a per copy basis and is payable when the copies are made. Letter or Legal size - $0.15/page; Distribution sheet - $3.00/plan.

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Frequently Asked Questions