Water Pollution Control Division
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? You’re in the right place. We’ve put together answers to some of the most common things people ask us in the Water Pollution Control Division about programs, services, billing, and more.
To keep things simple, we’ve grouped the questions by topic. Just click on the category that matches what you’re looking for.
If you don’t see your question here, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to help!
MS4 Stormwater Program
Catch basins are curbside openings that collect stormwater runoff and channel it into the storm drain system. From there, the water flows directly into local water bodies.
With the exception of the Easton’s Beach outfall, stormwater is not filtered or treated before it enters the environment.
An outfall is the discharge point where stormwater exits the drainage system and flows into a receiving water body.
Yes. WPC crews maintain:
- Thousands of catch basins and manholes
- Miles of storm drain pipelines
- Tide gates, outfalls, and swales
However, leaves, lawn clippings, litter, and debris can accumulate quickly between cleanings. Residents are encouraged to adopt a catch basin and help keep them clear. Learn more about local actions you can take to reduce polluted runoff and protect local waters by visiting our Stormwater Management Program page.
WPC maintains over 3,200 catch basins with a dedicated small field crew also responsible for sewer system maintenance.
Basins are cleaned year-round, with priority given to high-risk drainage areas ahead of forecasted storms. Residents can help by adopting a catch basin and clearing leaves and debris from catch basin grates near their properties to prevent street flooding.
While filters might seem like a good idea, they can block stormwater flow during rain events by trapping trash and debris on the surface. This increases the risk of clogged grates and street flooding.
With over 3,200 catch basins in Newport and a dedicated small field crew also responsible for maintaining the sewer system, routine maintenance of filters is not feasible.
Common stormwater pollutants include:
- Oil and grease from vehicles
- Fertilizers and pesticides from lawns and gardens
- Paint products and antifreeze
- Pet waste and litter
These pollutants wash into the storm system and enter local waters untreated.
A watershed is an area of land where all precipitation such as rain, snow, and runoff drain to a common water body.
No matter where you live, you are part of a watershed. Each reservoir in Newport’s system has its own unique watershed that supplies and influences its water quality.
A stormwater BMP is a specially designed feature or structure that treats, slows, or filters stormwater runoff before it reaches local water bodies. Examples include:
- Rain gardens
- Infiltration basins
- Permeable pavements
- Detention ponds
Household hazardous waste includes common products that can be dangerous if not disposed of properly due to their chemical nature, such as:
- Paint and paint thinner
- Herbicides and pesticides
- Cleaning chemicals
- Automotive fluids
Improper disposal of these items can pollute stormwater and harm the environment.
Illegal discharge is the release of any material other than clean rainwater or snowmelt into the storm drain system. This includes oil, sewage, chemicals, or wash water from commercial activities.
An illicit connection is:
- A non-permitted connection to the storm drain system
- Or a legitimate connection that is misused to discharge prohibited materials
Illicit connections can introduce pollutants directly into waterways and are illegal.
Non-point source pollution comes from many diffuse sources, rather than a single, identifiable point. Examples include:
- Runoff from rooftops, streets, driveways, and lawns
- Debris and oil washing off roads
- Yard chemicals and animal waste
This is the largest contributor to stormwater pollution.
Point source pollution comes from a single, identifiable source, such as a pipe, construction-site, farm, or factory. This type of pollution is typically regulated by governing agencies through permits and compliance programs.
Several local and regional groups help protect our waters:
- Save the Bay: Works to reduce runoff and improve coastal water quality
- Aquidneck Island Land Trust: Protects open space and watershed lands
- Eastern RI Conservation District: Promotes environmentally responsible land and water practices
- Stormwater Innovation Center: Develops and shares stormwater management solutions
- RI Green Infrastructure Coalition: Advocates for sustainable, nature-based stormwater solutions
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Call us at 401-845-5600
CSO Control Program
The Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control Program is a multi-phase, long-term initiative led by WPC. The goal is to reduce sewer overflows, protect Newport Harbor water quality, and ensure compliance with state and federal environmental regulations.
A CSO occurs when heavy rain enters and overwhelms the sewer system, causing untreated or partially treated wastewater to be discharged into local waters. This happens through one of two permitted outfalls:
- Washington Street CSO Treatment Facility
- Wellington Avenue CSO Treatment Facility
These facilities provide partial treatment and disinfection before any overflow is released into Newport Harbor.
A red flag is raised at the CSO facility by staff at the start of an overflow event and remains in place for 24 hours after the event has ended.
To increase public awareness, a red flag is also raised at the Harbormaster’s Building during overflow events.
Today, Newport’s sewer system contains both separate and combined components.
Like many older cities, Newport’s original sewer system, built in the 1870s, was designed as a single-pipe system for both wastewater and stormwater. Since the 1970s, the WPC has invested in separating stormwater and sanitary sewers to reduce the frequency and volume of overflows.
Yes. The CSO Control Program is mandated by a Consent Decree with:
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM)
It is guided by a 20-year System Master Plan (SMP) and ensures compliance with the Clean Water Act.
WPC has completed over 40 capital improvement projects under the System Master Plan, including:
- Replacing and upgrading sanitary sewers
- Enhancing wet weather capacity at the treatment plant (from 19.7 to 30+ million gallons/day)
- Upgrading CSO treatment facilities
- Reducing system inflow from downspouts and other sources
The final remaining project, Long Wharf Pump Station Improvements, is currently under construction and scheduled for completion in November 2025.
WPC has implemented green infrastructure and Best Management Practices (BMPs) throughout the city to reduce stormwater flow and pollutant loads. These include:
- Bioretention basins
- Permeable pavement
- Tree box filters
These features reduce the burden on the sewer system and enhance climate resilience, urban cooling, and public health.
Yes, significant progress has been made:
- CSO volumes have been reduced by over 80% since the early 2000s (approximately 35 million gallons annually)
- The Wellington CSO Facility upgrades have nearly eliminated overflow events
- Water quality in Newport Harbor has improved, with reduced enterococci bacteria levels and fewer water quality exceedances
During heavy rainfall, combined sewers can overflow, releasing a mix of stormwater and untreated sewage into local waterways.
This can:
- Pollute rivers, harbors, and coastal waters
- Harm fish and wildlife
- Pose risks to public health and water quality
This program is required under the Clean Water Act and is part of a legally binding Consent Decree with the:
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM)
The program helps bring Newport’s sewer system into compliance with federal and state regulations and protects local waters for recreation, fishing, and wildlife.
Newport’s Water Pollution Control Division (WPC) has completed most major capital improvements outlined in its CSO System Master Plan, including:
- Upgrades to CSO treatment facilities
- Sewer and stormwater system separation
- Catch basin separation projects
- Green infrastructure installations
- Improvements to the wastewater treatment plant
- Rehabilitation of aging pipes and infrastructure
You can help reduce strain on the sewer system by taking small actions at home:
- Disconnect downspouts from the sewer system (when identified)
- Install rain barrels to collect roof runoff
- Limit water use during storms (delay laundry or dishwasher use)
These steps help reduce excess flow into the system during storms, supporting the WPC’s efforts to prevent overflows and protect local water quality.
Don’t see your question?
Call us at 401-845-5600
Industrial Pretreatment Program
The Industrial Pretreatment Program is a federally mandated initiative that regulates the discharge of harmful pollutants from industrial and commercial facilities into the public sewer system.
Its goals are to:
- Protect the wastewater treatment plant
- Ensure worker and public safety
- Prevent damage to sewer infrastructure
- Safeguard local water quality and the environment
Certain businesses and industries discharge wastewater containing substances that can:
- Damage sewer infrastructure
- Interfere with the wastewater treatment processes
- Harm the health of treatment plant staff and the public
- Pollute local waterways if untreated
Pretreatment ensures these pollutants are reduced or removed before entering the sewer system.
Any commercial or industrial facility that discharges significant levels of pollutants may be subject to pretreatment requirements. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Restaurants, cafeterias, and supermarkets
- Vehicle and boat maintenance facilities
- Dry cleaners and laundromats
- Medical centers and laboratories
- Photo processors
- Food and beverage manufacturers
If you’re unsure whether your facility qualifies, contact the Industrial Pretreatment Coordinator at (401) 845‑2000.
A Significant Industrial User (SIU) is any user that meets one or more of the following criteria:
- Discharges 25,000 gallons/day or more of wastewater
- Contributes ≥5% of the average dry weather flow or pollutant load to the treatment plant
- Is determined by the City to have the potential to:
- Disrupt plant operations, or
- Violate pretreatment standards or limits
Facilities subject to pretreatment must comply with local, state, and federal regulations. Common requirements include:
- Obtaining a Wastewater Discharge Permit
- Installing pretreatment equipment, such as:
- Grease traps
- Interceptors
- Backflow preventers
- Performing self-monitoring and reporting
- Meeting local discharge limits
- Following Best Management Practices (BMPs)
To obtain a permit:
- Contact the Industrial Pretreatment Coordinator at (401) 845‑2000
- Request an application and review requirements
- Refer to City Code §13.10.070 for detailed permit guidelines
Noncompliance may result in escalating enforcement actions as outlined in City Code §13.10.120, including:
- Notices of Violation
- Consent or Compliance Orders
- Show Cause Hearings
- Cease & Desist Orders
- Administrative Fines
- Emergency Suspension of Discharge
- Termination of Service
For serious or repeated violations, judicial and supplemental enforcement remedies may be pursued under §13.10.130 and §13.10.140.
- Know your permit conditions and discharge limits
- Train your staff on proper waste handling and disposal practices
- Maintain all pretreatment equipment
- Keep accurate records and submit reports on time
- Ask questions, stay in contact with the pretreatment coordinator if you’re unsure
Don’t see your question?
Call us at 401-845-2000
Wastewater Treatment
The WPCP is Newport’s central wastewater treatment facility. It removes pollutants and harmful bacteria from wastewater before the cleaned water (called effluent) is safely released into Narragansett Bay. It serves:
- The City of Newport
- The Town of Middletown
- Naval Station Newport
- Naval Undersea Warfare Center
Yes. The water released from the WPCP is actually cleaner than untreated drinking water sourced from Newport’s reservoirs, before it undergoes drinking water treatment. It meets or exceeds strict state and federal environmental standards.
To protect pipes, treatment equipment, and the environment, never flush or pour:
- Fats, oils, and grease (FOG)
- Wipes (even “flushable” ones)
- Medications
- Paints or solvents
- Hazardous chemicals
- Personal hygiene products
These items clog pipes and damage the treatment process.
- Average daily flow: 11.7 million gallons
- Peak capacity: Over 30 million gallons per day (MGD), especially during wet weather
- It serves more than 41,000 people, and over 100,000 during peak seasons.
The WPCP uses a multi-step advanced treatment process:
- Screening & Grit Removal: Large debris is filtered out.
- Primary Clarification: Solids settle or float and are removed.
- Biological Treatment: Good bacteria break down organic waste.
- Final Clarification: Bacteria are separated from clean water.
- UV Disinfection: UV light kills harmful pathogens, no chemicals required.
- Odor Control: Air from smelly areas is cleaned using biofilters.
- Solids Handling: Sludge is thickened, dewatered, and removed for safe disposal.
Solids (also called sludge) are:
- Thickened
- Digested
- Dewatered
- Then transported off-site for safe disposal
The WPCP uses an environmentally friendly biofilter system to remove odors from the air before it leaves the plant. The system naturally breaks down foul-smelling compounds to protect air quality in surrounding neighborhoods.
The WPCP is operated and maintained by Veolia, an experienced environmental services company under contract with WPC.
Upgrades improve:
- System capacity during storms
- Water quality in Narragansett Bay
- Compliance with environmental regulations
- Odor control for nearby residents
- Energy efficiency, reducing the plant’s environmental footprint
Yes! Tours may be available for schools, community groups, or environmental organizations by request. Contact the Water Pollution Control Division (401-845-5600) to schedule a guided educational tour.
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Sewer System
The public sewer system includes main sewer lines located in the street or public right-of-way. A private sewer line, also called a sewer lateral, connects your building’s plumbing to the public system. Property owners are responsible for maintaining and repairing their private sewer lateral.
To request new sewer service or renew an existing connection:
- The property owner’s contractor must complete and submit a Sanitary Service Application along with site plans for the property.
- The Water Pollution Control Division will review the submission and determine whether to issue a permit.
Important: No connection to the sewer system may occur without written approval from WPC.
First, contact the WPC to determine whether the issue is in the public sewer main. If the problem is within your private sewer lateral, it is your responsibility to hire a licensed plumber to address it. Regular maintenance, such as clearing tree roots or grease buildup, can help prevent backups.
Common causes include:
- Blockages from grease, wipes, or debris
- Tree root intrusion
- Collapsed or broken pipes
- Heavy rain overwhelming the system in combined sewer areas
No. Even “flushable” wipes can clog pipes and cause costly backups. Grease should never go down the drain, as it solidifies and creates blockages. Dispose of wipes in the trash and collect grease in a sealed container for proper disposal.
The City uses several strategies, including:
- Routine sewer cleaning and inspection
- Emergency repair response
- Inflow and infiltration removal programs
- Capital Improvement Projects to upgrade aging infrastructure
- Only flush toilet paper and human waste
- Never pour fats, oils, or grease down the drain
- Avoid planting trees near sewer lines
- Check for illegal connections, such as sump pumps or roof drains connected to the sanitary sewer
- Report unusual odors, leaks, or overflows to WPC
Don’t see your question?
Call us at 401-845-5600
Stormwater System
A stormwater system is a network of catch basins, pipes, swales, outfalls, and other infrastructure designed to collect and convey rainwater and snowmelt from streets, rooftops, and other surfaces. Its primary function is to reduce flooding and safely discharge stormwater into local water bodies.
To request new storm drain service:
- The property owner’s contractor must complete and submit a Storm Drain Service Application along with site plans for the property.
- The Water Pollution Control Division will review the submission and determine whether to issue a permit.
Important: No connection to the stormwater system may occur without written approval from WPC.
Stormwater systems are essential for:
- Managing flood risk by collecting and directing stormwater away from streets, homes, and businesses.
- Supporting public health by reducing standing water and minimizing combined sewer overflows.
- Protecting the environment by helping reduce erosion, limiting pollutants in local waterways, and supporting wildlife habitats.
Stormwater collected by the system flows directly into local water bodies like Newport Harbor. Except for the outfall at Easton’s Beach, most stormwater is not filtered or treated, which is why keeping pollutants out of the system is so important.
Stormwater is rain and snowmelt runoff collected from outdoor surfaces like roads, sidewalks, and parking lots. It flows untreated into local waterways. Wastewater, on the other hand, comes from indoor plumbing (toilets, sinks, showers) and is treated at a wastewater treatment facility before being released.
In most cases, no. With the exception of certain locations like Easton’s Beach, stormwater is not filtered or treated before it is discharged to local waters. This is why it’s so important to prevent pollution at the source, what goes into the storm drain goes directly into the environment.
Flooding can occur if catch basins are clogged with leaves, trash, or other debris. Heavy rainfall that exceeds the system’s capacity can also cause temporary flooding. Residents are encouraged to help keep catch basins clear of debris, especially before storms.
Pollutants often include:
- Motor oil and automotive fluids
- Fertilizers and pesticides
- Pet waste
- Paint and household chemicals
- Trash and litter
These pollutants harm water quality, aquatic life, and public health.
- Keep trash, leaves, and chemicals out of storm drains
- Pick up after your pet
- Minimize use of lawn chemicals
- Wash your car at a commercial car wash
- Never dump anything down a catch basin
- Get involved in local cleanups and stormwater programs
The Water Pollution Control Division:
- Regularly inspects and maintains pipes, catch basins, and outfalls
- Performs emergency and corrective repairs, often within 24–48 hours
- Invests in long-term upgrades through Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs)
Don’t see your question?
Call us at 401-845-5600
WPC Capital Improvement Projects
These projects:
- Replace aging infrastructure, some of which dates back to the 1870s
- Improve system capacity and performance during storms
- Reduce the risk of sewer backups, flooding, and environmental damage
- Support public health, water quality, and regulatory compliance
- Address climate resilience and future growth needs
CIPs are identified through a comprehensive evaluation process outlined in the CSO Control Program, System Master Plan (SMP). The plan, a system-wide approach to reducing combined sewer overflows and improving water quality.
Projects are prioritized based on several key factors:
- System Performance Assessments: Analysis of historical and projected system performance using hydrologic and hydraulic modeling.
- Condition and Capacity Evaluations: Identification of infrastructure that is undersized, deteriorating, or poses a risk to public health and the environment.
- Regulatory Requirements: Compliance with the Clean Water Act and permit conditions outlined by RIDEM and the EPA.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis: Consideration of project effectiveness, affordability, and long-term value to the community.
- Stakeholder Input: Engagement with internal staff, consultants, and regulators to determine practical, timely, and impactful solutions.
The SMP outlines phased implementation of prioritized projects, which are updated periodically to reflect changing system needs, emerging technologies, and updated environmental goals. While the Master Plan provides the roadmap, the CIP remains dynamic to allow flexibility for emergency repairs, funding opportunities, or evolving infrastructure demands.
This balanced approach ensures that WPC can proactively plan improvements while responding effectively to unforeseen challenges.
Projects are prioritized based on:
- Infrastructure age and condition
- Regulatory requirements (e.g., Clean Water Act, RIPDES, Consent Decree)
- Risk of failure or public health impact
- Opportunities to improve system capacity, reduce CSOs, or mitigate flooding
- Cost-effectiveness and funding availability (e.g., grants, SRF loans, ratepayer revenue)
Planned projects may include:
- Pump Station Upgrades
- Sewer System Replacements & Rehabilitation
- Treatment Plant Upgrades
- Catch Basin Separation
- MS4 Water Quality Improvements
- Flood Mitigation & Resiliency
- Stormwater/Sewer Inflow & Infiltration Removal
- Trench Restoration
- Storm Drainage Improvements
- Asset Management & Technology Improvements
Yes, in part. Revenue from your utility bill helps fund both:
- Daily operations (like treatment, testing, and maintenance)
- Some capital improvements
However, large-scale projects, such as treatment plant upgrades or major flood mitigation projects, are often funded through a combination of WPC charges & fees, grants, bonds, and low-interest loans from programs like the State Revolving Fund (SRF).
No. The Water Pollution Control Division operates as an enterprise fund, meaning:
- It is financially self-sustaining
- WPC-related revenues and expenses are kept separate from the City’s general fund
- Ratepayer dollars are reinvested directly back into the sewer and stormwater systems
This structure ensures dedicated funding for sewer and stormwater infrastructure without relying on general tax revenue.
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