City of Warwick Water Division – Warwick, RI

About the Warwick Water Division

The City of Warwick Water Division, operating under the Department of Public Works, is responsible for the distribution and maintenance of the city’s public water supply. Headquartered at the Public Works complex on Sandy Lane, this division ensures that residents and businesses receive safe, high-quality potable water. Their operations include the maintenance of over 400 miles of water mains, thousands of fire hydrants, and the city’s water metering infrastructure. While the division focuses on the physical aspects of the water system—such as repairing main breaks, installing meters, and conducting water quality testing—it works in tandem with other city departments to manage billing and customer service.

Field Office vs. Payment Location

It is critical for customers to understand the distinction between the Water Division’s Field Office and the payment center. The facility at 955 Sandy Lane (often cited as 935 Sandy Lane within the Public Works yard) is the operational hub for crews and technical staff. Water bill payments are generally NOT accepted at this location.

• Bill Payments: All in-person payments for water bills must be made at the Tax Collector’s Office located at the City Hall Annex (65 Centerville Road) or the main City Hall. Alternatively, payments can be made online or via mail.
• Service Requests: The Sandy Lane office handles technical inquiries, such as scheduling final meter readings for real estate closings, reporting leaks, or inquiring about new water service connections.

Water Quality and Safety

The Water Division adheres to strict state and federal regulations to ensure public health. The city purchases its water wholesale from the Providence Water Supply Board and the Kent County Water Authority, then distributes it through its local network. The division performs routine flushing of hydrants and regular sampling to monitor for lead, copper, and other contaminants. Residents concerned about water pressure or discoloration should contact the division directly to dispatch a technician for investigation.

Location and Access

The Water Division is located within the Department of Public Works complex on Sandy Lane, adjacent to the Mickey Stevens Sports Complex. The facility is accessible via Sandy Lane, a major thoroughfare connecting Warwick Avenue and Wildes Corner. While the field office is open weekdays for administrative and technical matters, visitors are encouraged to call ahead, as many issues can be resolved over the phone without an in-person visit.