Senator Golden to Water Board: Stop Gouging Our Families

Calls for New York City Water Board to reconsider raising rates on our middle class families

Brooklyn, NY – New York State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I), today is calling for The New York City Water Board not to increase water and sewage fees. As of today, the New York City Water Board is considering a proposal for a 5.6% increase in water rates, making it the 10th increase in as many years, stifling away much needed income from our already struggling middle class families.

“Water rates have gone from $1.44 in 2003 to $3.39 in 2013 per 100 cubic feet. That’s 2.4 times the price it was just 10 years ago. It’s unconscionable to think that we need to raise these rates again. It is getting harder and harder for our middle class families to afford a day in New York City, and all this rate increase would do is bring even more burden on to our families and businesses. I am calling on the Water Board to re-consider this increase, as we need to make life more affordable, not less affordable,” stated Senator Golden.

Over the last ten years, water and sewer rates have increased at a rate that far exceeds any other staple of daily life. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the price of milk has increased 1.3 times its price from 2003 to 2013. A loaf of bread has increased 1.4 times in that same time period, and a carton of eggs 1.6 times. The average water bill is anticipated to go from $939 annually to $991 annually.

Senator Golden is planning on mobilizing the attendance of Brooklyn Residents at the water rate hearing to be schedule in the borough.