As most of you probably already know, the Water Board approved the requested 14.5% water/sewer rate increase at their meeting last week.

On the bright side though, Water Board Chairman Jim Tripp mentioned that the mayor’s office claims to be looking into the possibility of lowering the DEP’s rental agreement. If this actually happens, the DEP would be paying the city a more reasonable price for the use of the city’s reservoirs and the city would minimize, or even eliminate, its unfair back door financing. This would also allow the DEP to lower its operating cost and hopefully, its rates as well.

WaterWatchNYC hopes the city goes through with this plan but frankly, we’re not holding our breath.