If you’re behind on your water bill, whether as a resident, property owner, or as a business, you aren’t alone. There are nearly 200,000 customers with delinquent water bills, owing a combined $1.2 billion. The NYC Department of Environmental Protection, who manage the water system in the City, is offering amnesty to all accounts that are behind.
For customers with a seriously delinquent balance of more than $1,000 for over a year, DEP will offer three amnesty options:
- If 100 percent of the principal bill is paid, 100 percent of interest will be forgiven;
- If 50 percent of the principal bill is paid, 75 percent of interest will be forgiven; or
- If 25 percent of the principal bill is paid, 50 percent of interest will be forgiven.
Customers who owe less than $1,000 are still eligible to receive amnesty on 100 percent of their interest if they pay their total bill. All customers who participate in the water amnesty program and leave a remaining outstanding balance will be required to enter into a payment agreement with DEP. Data shows that 85 percent of customers who set up a payment plan stay on it and successfully clear their debt.
