New York residents may struggle to pay as water rates rise

NEW YORK CITY — Could the economic downturn affect consumers of H₂O in the Big Apple? If water bills continue increasing, it just might. According to Steve Lawitts, commissioner for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), “As more people become affected by financial conditions … we have to monitor how that’s affecting their timeliness of payment.”

The New York Daily News reports that water revenues are 11 percent lower than projected so far this month. Although officials expect that number to even out, they do plan to send out past-due letters soon. Due to improved conservation efforts, consumption rates are lower, however. That’s in the face of a 14.5 percent increase this past July and an anticipated 14 percent increase next year.

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Source: New York Daily News