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1. If I have a leak on the service line feeding my building, what do I do?

The water service line that connects a customer’s property to the City’s water main in the street, is the owner’s responsibility. In the City of Newburgh, the property owner owns the entire water service located on both the private property and within the road right-of-way.  If you have a leak on a water service or feel that you need to replace your water service for some other reason, contact a City of Newburgh licensed plumber to perform the work. It is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure that a proper building permit is obtained for repair or replacement of a water service. If a water service is made of lead or galvanized steel, then the existing water service cannot be repaired and must be replaced. Plastic, PVC, PEX or other materials are not permitted to be used for water services in the City.  Only Type-K copper with flare connections can be used.

2. Who's responsible for the safe keeping and maintenance of the water meter?

Water meters are the property of the Water Department.  The water meters are supplied by the Water Department for a fee charged according to the water meter size. The property owner is responsible for maintaining the water meter and any reading devices attached to them.  At the time of installation, a water meter is sealed to ensure proper calibration and operation.  This seal must not be broken.  The meter also must be insulated so that it does not freeze or break, and it must be secured so that it is not stolen.  The property owner will be charged a fee for any damages to, or loss of, the meter and reading devices.

3. How does the City read my water meter?

The Water Department reads water meters four times a year.  Meters are read several different ways.  We are in the process of installing smart meters throughout the city which are read remotely by a radio device or MXU unit.  The newer style MXU units are attached directly to the meter inside the house, so they are less vulnerable to weather, damage and vandalism.   The MXU units also allow our meter readers to read faster and more accurately.

4. Is there a charge for the water meter?

The City of Newburgh is standardized on Sensus meters and the corresponding charge for a meter is based upon the size of the meter.  New installations or damaged meters are installed by a plumber licensed by the City of Newburgh at the property owner’s expense. Owners are responsible for maintaining their individual water meters.

5. If I have a question about my water bill, who do I call?

Questions related to billing regarding meter readings should be directed to the Water Department at 845-565-3356. For other calls related to billing - for example, past due amounts, penalties, etc. - please call the City Collector's Office at 845-569-7330.

6. If I am experiencing a problem with water in my building (rusty water, low pressure, no water, etc.), who do I call?

Call the Water Department at 565-3356. We will investigate, so we can document the problem you are having at your location. Our office staff will be able to inform you if we are working in the area or flushing hydrants, which may be causing your problem, or if the problem is internal and the responsibility of the building owner.

7. If I'm selling my house, do I need a closing reading?

Yes. A closing reading records the amount of water the present owner has used up to the date of closing and the amount the new owner will receive as credit towards their next bill. A closing reading also protects the new owner from any past due amounts that may be owed. The Water Department does a physical inspection of the water meter at closing to ensure that it is working properly and up to city code.

8. If I'm buying a house in the City, what should I do? Do I need a closing reading?

We strongly recommend that you call the Water Department to schedule a final reading of the water meter, so that as the new owner, your first bill will be credited for any amount of water used by the previous owner. At the time of closing, we also conduct a physical inspection to make sure that the meter is working properly and up to city code.

9. What does the City do if they can't get a reading at my building?

The Water Department strives to obtain accurate meter readings for all our accounts. However, if we were unsuccessful in obtaining a reading at your location, we will notify you right on your next bill. We ask that you contact the office within 10 days, so that we can schedule an appointment to read your meter and determine the reason why we were unable to obtain a reading. If we are not contacted and unable to read your meter, we will estimate your bill, and your service may be terminated.

10. What are estimated and minimum bills?

If we are unable to obtain a meter reading, City Code dictates that we average the four previous reading and send you an estimated bill. If you receive an estimated bill, you have 10 days to contact this office to schedule an actual reading.

A minimum bill is a minimum set amount that we charge our customers each quarter based upon the size of your meter. Minimum billing amounts by meter size are listed on the back of your water bill. You are billed the minimum amount plus the actual usage over the minimum.

11. Where or how do I make payment for my water bill? What form of payment do they take?

Payment for water bills can be made made at the City Collector's Office at City Hall, 83 Broadway, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Water bill payments can also be made by mailing your check (send no cash in the mail) for the exact amount with the payment stub from your water bill, using the envelope that is enclosed with your water bill.