Online Application Portal
Department of Utilities forms and applications can now be completed online through our Application Portal. Here, you can easily complete and submit forms, permit applications, and supporting documents directly online. Need help getting started? View the Application Portal Set Up Guide. The portal also allows you to:
- Track the status of your submissions
- Upload additional information or documentation if requested (via email)
To help you find what you need, forms and applications are organized by Billing, Newport Water Division (NWD), and Water Pollution Control (WPC).
Fee Payment
- Billing forms and applications: Any related fees will appear on your monthly bill. No action needed.
- NWD and WPC forms and applications: Fees must be paid in person at our office (70 Halsey Street) by check or money order.
Billing Forms and Applications
Need help with a billing form or application?
Contact our billing staff. 401-845-5604 | utilitybilling@NewportRI.gov
Request for Final Reading for Sale of Real Estate
- Required when: Selling or transferring ownership of a property serviced by the Newport Water Division
- Typically completed by: Seller’s realtor or attorney
- Fee: $35
- Note: Provides the buyer and seller with essential account details and any outstanding charges
Request for Tenancy Change Form
- Use this to: Request a meter reading that reflects water usage during a specific timeframe related to a change in tenancy and ensure accurate billing between outgoing and incoming tenants
- Completed by: Property owner
- Fee: $35
Request for Seasonal Turn On/Off Form
- Use this to: Request the seasonal activation or shut-off of water service at your property (typically for vacation homes or seasonal use)
- Completed by: Property owner
- Fee: $40
Change of Billing Address Form
- Use this to: Update the mailing/billing address where your utility bills are sent
- Completed by: Property owner
- Fee: None
Water Quality Protection Surcharge Exemption Application (Senior Relief)
- Use this for: Exemption from the state-mandated Water Quality Protection Charge (Rhode Island General Law ยง46-15.3-5)
- Eligibility: Age 65 or older, must own the property, the property must be your primary residence, and the property must not be rented during the year
- Completed by: Property owner (copy of driver’s license required)
- Fee: None
- Note: If exemption criteria are met, you will be exempt from the charge on future billings
Sewer Abatement Request Form
- Use this to: Request a one-time abatement of sewer charges (available once in a ten-year period) for excess water usage caused by an unpreventable water leak that did not enter the sewer system
- Eligibility: Leak must be attributable to a specific incident within the previous three months, resulting excess water use must exceed double OR 10,000 gallons above your average monthly water consumption, and the deficiency responsible for the leak has since been repaired
- Completed by: Property owner
- Fee: None
- Note: View the Sewer Abatement Policy on the first page of the document for detailed eligibility and supporting documentation requirements
Water Pollution Control Division Applications
Need Help With a WPC Application?
Give us a call at the front desk. 401-845-5600
Sanitary Sewer Service Application
- Use this to: Request a new sewer service or renew an existing service for residential, commercial, or industrial properties in Newport
- Completed by: Property owner’s contractor
- New Service Fee: $890
- Service Renewal Fee: None
- Note: Permits expire one year from issue (you can request a one-time 60-day extension if needed)
Storm Drain Service Application
- Use this to: Request a new storm drain connection for residential, commercial, or industrial properties in Newport
- Completed by: Property owner’s contractor
- Fee: None
- Note: Permits expire one year from issue (you can request a one-time 60-day extension if needed)
Grease and Solids Interceptor Permit Application
- Required for: Food service establishments (restaurants, cafeterias, supermarkets, institutional kitchens) installing or maintaining an automatic grease recovery device (GRD)
- Completed by: Property owner or contractor
- Submit with: Two sets of plumbing plans showing the GRD installation; notify IPP Coordinator at least 24 hours before installation
- Fee: Per the IPP fee schedule (see Rates and Charges)
- Note: See the Industrial Pretreatment Program page for full requirements and the Grease Trap Cleaning Log that permitted facilities must maintain
Newport Water Division Forms and Applications
Need Help With an NWD Form or Application?
Give us a call at the front desk. 401-845-5600
Water Service Application
- Use this to: Request new water service, new irrigation service, or renew an existing service for properties in Newport, Middletown, and the small portion of Portsmouth served by NWD
- Completed by: Property owner’s contractor
- Residential property fee: $60
- Non-residential property fee: $100
- Note: Permits expire one year from issue (you can request a one-time 60-day extension if needed)
Temporary Water Service Applications
- Use this to: Rent a temporary meter for water service during construction or other temporary events
- Completed by: Project contractor
- Deposit: $1,000 (accrued charges will be withheld from deposit upon return of meter)
- Temporary Meter Rental Charge: $10 per day
- Labor Charge: Cost of labor plus 75%
- Water Usage Charge: Retail rate for water (see Rates and Charges)
- Minimum Charge: $60
Meter Test Request Form
- Use this to: Request a meter test assessing performance accuracy
- Completed by: Property owner
- Fee for meters 2″ or less: $65
- Fee for meter greater than 2″: Labor cost plus 75% and contractor cost plus 25%
- Note: If the meter is found to exceed the allowable margin of error (more than 2%), the test fee will be fully refunded
Private Fire Service Application
- Use this to: Request private fire service for your property (for example, private sprinkler system or hydrant)
- Completed by: Property owner’s contractor
- Residential Fee: $60
- Commercial Fee: $100
- Note: Plans must be approved by Newport’s Fire Marshal’s Office prior to submission
Water Service Availability Request Application
- Use this to: Request a determination of whether water service is available at your property (Newport, Middletown, and the small portion of Portsmouth served by NWD)
- Completed by: Property owner’s engineer or architect
- Fee: None
- Note: NOT for authorization of new water service; only to evaluate feasibility
Backflow Prevention Device Test and Certification
- Use this to: Submit annual test and certification results for an installed backflow prevention device
- Completed by: State-certified backflow prevention tester hired by the property owner
- Required for: Properties with backflow prevention devices installed on the water service; testing is required annually
- Fee: None (tester fees are paid directly to the tester)
- Note: See the Water Meter Services page for more information about backflow prevention requirements
NWD FAQs
Billing FAQs
