Contact Newport Department of Utilities

How can we help?

Report a service issue, ask a billing question, or get information about your water, sewer, or stormwater service. Choose the option below that fits your situation.

Utility Alerts and Notices

For current service alerts, emergency notifications, and planned service interruptions, contact us directly using the options below. Active utility emergencies are addressed through the after hours emergency line.

Rate restructuring is under public review

A rate study is under public review. No change has been adopted.

The existing CSO Annual Fixed Fee is proposed to transition into a sewer base charge tied to meter size as part of the broader wastewater rate restructuring through an ordinance amendment at the same Council action that adopts the new sewer rate structure. Total cost recovery is preserved dollar-for-dollar at adoption; the line item is restructured to reflect the broader operational and capital cost basis of the sewer system. Revenue supporting CSO Long Term Control Plan obligations under the federal Consent Decree remains dedicated to that purpose.

What Is a Utility Emergency?

Utility Emergencies Include

  • Sewer backup into a building
  • Water main break
  • Loss of water service
  • Flooding associated with utility infrastructure failure
  • Unsafe utility condition
For these situations, call (401) 845-5826 outside business hours, or (401) 845-5600 during business hours.

Non Emergency Issues Include

  • Billing questions
  • Routine service requests
  • Permit questions
  • General service concerns
  • Account updates
For these situations, call during business hours, email, or submit online. Please do not use the emergency line.

What to Expect

Request Type Typical Response
Water or sewer emergency Emergency calls are prioritized and routed for response as quickly as possible
Phone calls during business hours Most calls returned same business day
Email and billing questions Within 1 business day
Online service requests 1 to 2 business days
Engineering and permit review Varies by scope
Public records requests Within 10 business days per Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act
Response times may vary during emergencies, severe weather, or large scale service events.

Before You Call

You may be able to resolve your question or request online. Self service options are generally available online at any time.

Submit Online

Use Report It Newport to submit a non urgent service request from your phone or computer. Track the status of your submission and receive updates by email.

Open Report It Newport

Email

Send a detailed message regarding your utility account, service question, billing inquiry, or information request. We respond within one business day.

Response within 1 business day
Email is not monitored continuously and should not be used for emergencies.

Call Before You Dig

Rhode Island law requires Dig Safe utility marking before any excavation. Call 811 at least 72 hours before digging. This is free and protects utility workers, contractors, homeowners, and underground infrastructure.

Call 811

What We Can Help With

Newport Water Division

Call (401) 845-5600
  • Low water pressure or no water
  • Discolored or unusual tasting water
  • Water main breaks and leaks
  • Hydrant issues
  • Water meter and service line questions
  • Lead service line program

Water Pollution Control

Call (401) 845-5600
  • Sewer backups or odors
  • Catch basin or drainage issues
  • Street flooding from stormwater
  • Industrial pretreatment compliance
  • Illicit discharge reporting
  • CSO and MS4 program questions

Billing and Customer Accounts

Call (401) 845-5604
  • Pay your bill or set up payment options
  • Questions about charges or usage
  • Payment plans and assistance programs
  • Start, stop, or transfer service
  • Final bills and account closures

Engineering and Permits

Call (401) 845-5600
  • Construction and excavation permits
  • Development review
  • Backflow prevention requirements
  • Utility coordination
  • Records and document requests
Public records requests are processed under the Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act, which provides a 10 business day initial response period. Complex requests may require additional review and processing time.
Critical Infrastructure

Serving the Newport Region

The Newport Department of Utilities operates and maintains drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure. The Newport Water Division provides drinking water service to the City of Newport, the Town of Middletown, the U.S. Navy facilities at Naval Station Newport and Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), and limited wholesale service to the Portsmouth Water and Fire District. The Water Pollution Control Division serves the City of Newport, the Town of Middletown, Naval Station Newport, NUWC, and the Town of Portsmouth for septic and holding tank haul-in only. We operate under state and federal drinking water, wastewater, and environmental regulatory requirements to provide safe and reliable utility service every day of the year.

15,629
Customer Accounts
214
Miles of Water Main
55
Miles of Storm Drain
1876
Year Established

Visit Us

70 Halsey Street

Newport, RI 02840

Walk ins are welcome during business hours. Mailing address is the same.

Office Hours

Monday8 AM to 4 PM
Tuesday8 AM to 4 PM
Wednesday8 AM to 4 PM
Thursday8 AM to 4 PM
Friday8 AM to 4 PM
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed
Daily Lunch Closure: The office is closed daily from 12 PM to 1 PM for lunch. Please plan your in person visit accordingly.
Holidays: The customer service counter is closed on City of Newport observed holidays. The emergency line at (401) 845-5826 is available on holidays for water and sewer emergencies.
Accessibility and Language Assistance: Language assistance and accessibility accommodations are available upon request. Contact us by phone at (401) 845-5600 or by email at utilitybilling@NewportRI.gov to request assistance.