Where to pay your Newark water bill
Newark's water and sewer bills are handled by the Newark Department of Water and Sewer Utilities (DWSU). You can pay your bill in three ways: online through the city's payment portal, by mail, or in person at the DWSU office.
The online payment option is the fastest. Go to the City of Newark's official website and look for the utilities payment section. You'll need your account number, which appears on your bill. Online payments typically post within one to two business days. There is no fee for paying online through the city's system.
If you prefer to mail a check, send it to the address printed on your bill. Include your account number on the check. Mail payments take seven to ten business days to reach the office and post to your account, so plan ahead if your due date is approaching. You can also pay in person at the DWSU office during business hours — call ahead to confirm current hours, as they change seasonally.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online through the City of Newark's official website using your account number for the fastest processing.
- Your bill shows your account number, current charges, and the due date — keep it handy when you pay.
- If you fall behind on payments, the city may shut off your water, but you have the right to request a hearing before disconnection.
- Newark offers payment plans and hardship programs for customers who cannot pay their full bill at once.
- Your bill includes both water charges and sewer charges, calculated separately on the same statement.
How to read your Newark water bill
Your bill has two main sections: water charges and sewer charges. The water section shows how many gallons you used during the billing period, measured in units of 100 gallons. The sewer section is usually a percentage of your water charge, not a separate volume measurement.
At the top of the bill, you'll see your account number, the billing period, and the due date. The due date is typically 20 days from the bill date. Below that are the itemized charges: the base service fee (a fixed monthly amount), the volume charge (based on how much water you used), and any taxes or additional fees. At the bottom is the total amount due and instructions for payment.
If you notice an unusual spike in your bill, check for a leak in your home first — a running toilet or dripping pipe can double your water use in a month. If you believe the reading is wrong, contact DWSU to request a meter inspection. They will investigate at no charge if the meter is faulty.
What to do if you can't pay your full bill
Newark offers a Payment Plan Program for customers facing hardship. If you cannot pay your bill in full by the due date, contact DWSU before the bill becomes overdue. The department can set up a plan that spreads your balance over several months, with a portion due each billing cycle alongside your current charges.
To request a payment plan, call the DWSU office or visit in person with your account number and a brief explanation of your situation. There is no formal application — the staff will work with you to set a schedule you can manage. Plans typically last three to six months, depending on the amount owed.
If your bill goes unpaid for 60 days, the city may issue a notice of intent to shut off service. You have the right to request a hearing before disconnection. At the hearing, you can explain your circumstances and propose a payment plan. Even if you cannot attend in person, you can request a hearing by phone or in writing.
Understanding water usage and charges
Newark charges for water in units of 100 gallons. Your meter measures the total gallons used, and the bill divides that by 100 to show your consumption. For example, if you used 15,000 gallons in a month, your bill will show 150 units. The volume charge is then multiplied by the current rate per unit.
The base service fee covers meter maintenance and system upkeep and stays the same each month. The volume charge is what changes based on your usage. Sewer charges are usually calculated as a percentage of your water charge — typically 80 to 100 percent of the water amount — because the city assumes most water that enters your home leaves through the sewer system.
Seasonal usage varies. Summer bills are often higher because of outdoor watering and increased household use. Winter bills may be lower, but if your winter bill is unusually high, it often signals a leak. A slow leak can waste hundreds of gallons per month without being obvious.
How to set up automatic payments
Automatic payment is available through the City of Newark's online portal. Once you log in with your account number, you can authorize the city to deduct your bill amount from your bank account on a date you choose — typically a few days before the due date. This prevents late payments and removes the need to remember to pay each month.
To enroll, you'll need your bank account number and routing number. The city uses a secure connection to store this information. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through the same portal. If you want to stop automatic payments, do so at least five business days before the next scheduled payment to avoid a charge you don't want.
Some customers prefer to set up automatic payments through their own bank's bill-pay system instead. This gives you more control over the exact payment date and amount. Either method works — choose whichever fits your routine better.
Disputing a charge or requesting a meter test
If your bill seems wrong, start by checking for leaks in your home. Look under sinks, around the toilet base, and in the basement or crawl space. A leak is the most common reason for a sudden spike. If you find and fix a leak, your next bill should return to normal.
If you don't find a leak and still believe the reading is incorrect, contact DWSU and request a meter inspection. Provide your account number and explain why you think the meter is wrong — for example, "My bill doubled with no change in usage." The city will send someone to test your meter at no cost to you. If the meter is faulty, they will replace it and may adjust your bill for the overcharge.
If the meter tests normal, ask DWSU to review your account history. Sometimes a billing error occurs — a misread digit or a data entry mistake. The staff can pull your previous bills and compare them. If an error is found, they will issue a credit to your account.
Reconnection after service shutoff
If your water service is shut off due to non-payment, you must pay the full overdue balance plus a reconnection fee to restore service. The reconnection fee varies but is typically $50 to $100. You can pay this amount at the DWSU office or online once your account is current.
Reconnection usually happens within one to two business days after payment is received. If you need water restored urgently — for example, if you have a medical condition or young children — contact DWSU immediately and explain your situation. They may be able to expedite the process or discuss a payment plan that allows reconnection sooner.
To avoid shutoff, respond to any notice from the city. The notice will include a deadline and instructions for requesting a hearing. Even if you cannot pay the full amount, requesting a hearing gives you the chance to set up a plan before service is cut off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Newark water bill by phone?
The City of Newark does not currently accept phone payments directly. You can pay online, by mail, or in person at the DWSU office. Some third-party payment services may offer phone payment, but verify that you're using an official city-approved service to avoid scams.
What if I'm on a fixed income and can't afford my water bill?
Contact DWSU about the Payment Plan Program or ask about hardship assistance. Newark also has community organizations that may help with utility bills for low-income residents. Call 211 New Jersey to find local resources in your area.
How often will my water meter be read?
Newark typically reads meters every two months, so you receive a bill every 60 days. The exact schedule depends on your meter location and route. Your bill shows the meter read date, so you can track when the next reading will occur.
Why is my sewer charge so high?
Sewer charges are based on your water usage because the city assumes water entering your home leaves through the sewer. If your sewer charge seems disproportionately high, it's usually because your water usage was high that month. Check for leaks or unusual usage patterns.
What happens if I move out of Newark?
Contact DWSU at least two weeks before you move to request a final meter reading. Provide your new address so the city can mail your final bill. You're responsible for all charges up to the disconnection date, even if you've already moved.