NEW YORK, NY –
Assemblyman Michael Tannousis (R,C-Staten Island/Brooklyn) criticized the New York City Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) proposal to increase water rates by 6% for Fiscal Year 2027, calling it another financial burden on hardworking families already struggling with the rising cost of living.
The proposed increase, announced by the Department of Environmental Protection, would raise water and sewer costs for homeowners and businesses across New York City beginning July 1 if approved by the New York City Water Board.
“New Yorkers are already being squeezed from every direction—higher utility bills, rising housing costs, inflation and increased taxes—and now the city wants to hit residents with another water rate increase”, Tannousis said in a statement. “For many families, especially seniors and working-class homeowners on Staten Island and in Brooklyn, these costs are becoming completely unsustainable”.
According to the DEP, the proposed 6% increase would help fund the city’s water and sewer infrastructure system. The agency also noted that certain assistance programs for low-income households would continue under the proposal.
Tannousis said the city must focus on improving affordability and accountability before asking residents to pay more.
“The government cannot continue treating taxpayers like an endless source of revenue every time there is a budget gap or spending increase”, Tannousis said. “Families are making difficult financial decisions every single day, and city agencies should be expected to do the same. New Yorkers deserve transparency, efficiency and relief—not a higher bill.
The proposed rate increase is subject to public review and approval by the New York City Water Board.
