FAQ's

How can I reduce my water consumption?

Water is a vital aspect of our day to day lives. The average person uses 80-100 gallons of water per day. For the average American household, 30% of the water used is devoted to outdoor water use and more than half of that is used for watering lawns and gardens. Because of increasing demands for water combined with potential drought conditions, Newport water has seen conditions where our available water supply has been reduced to extremely low levels.

When we use water wisely, we not only maintain a safe water supply, but we also keep our individual water, sewer and heating costs down. The problem is not what we use water for, but the fact that we use more than we need. Here are some tips to help everyone use water wisely:

Check for leaks: By checking the reading on your water meter and then turn off all water fixtures for one hour. Go back and check the reading on your meter - if it has changed, you have a leak.
Fix leaky faucets: A leaky faucet can waste up to 20 gallons of water per day. If the water is hot, you are heating the water before you waste it, which can be very expensive. Replace worn out washers or "O" rings which are usually the cause for leaking faucets.
Check for leaks in your toilet: This is where most household water is wasted. A leak in a toilet can sometimes be detected by a trickling sound - but it can also leak silently. Place a dye tablet or a few drops of food coloring in the tank. Wait 15 minutes, if colored water appears in the bowl, your flapper or flush valve may need to be replaced.
Install low flow fixtures: If you do not already have water efficient or low flow fixtures, then install water saving devices that are available on the market today such as retro-fit aerators, flow regulators and water displacement devices.
Water the Yard in the Morning: The best time to water your yard is early morning, when winds are calm and temperatures are cool. Make sure sprinkler is set properly in order to avoid watering sidewalks and driveways.
Use a rain barrel: under a roof gutter downspout to collect water for outdoor use.
Use a broom instead of a hose: to clean driveways, walks, and patios.

For more information visit the EPA’s WaterSense site

How can I view my account balance, water consumption, and payment history?

For your convenience, you can view and pay your water pills online by visiting the Utility Billing Portal. Your monthly paper bill contains your account number (starting with a “B”), which you can use to create your login. The online billing system has a range of 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

How many water bills do I receive each year?

You will receive 12 bills each year as customers are billed monthly. Payment is due on or before the last day of the month.

My plumber needs to shut off my water for repairs, who do I call?

You may contact the Meter Office at 401-845-5606 for assistance with shut off.

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 Office at 401-845-5606 for assistance with your water meter.

My water is shut off for non-payment; what do I do?

Pay your account balance in full (online, in-person, or by mail). Once payment is confirmed, call the Department of Utilities Billing Office (401-845-5604) to schedule the turn-on of your water service. Someone over the age of 18 must be home at the time scheduled.

*Please note payment confirmation will be slowest for payments made by mail, delaying turn-on of your water service.

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