City to Raise Water Rate 5.6 Percent in July

The Bloomberg administration is planning a 5.6 percent increase in the city’s water rate on July 1—the lowest rate hike in nearly a decade, reported The Wall Street Journal.

"We're continuing our aggressive efforts to keep the water rate as low as possible," said Chris Gilbride, a spokesman for the Department of Environmental Protection.

However, each year since the mayor has taken office, the water rate has increased, including four consecutive double-digit boosts beginning in fiscal year 2008, compared to the three previous administrations that kept the water rate flat for at least one year during their time in office.

With the latest proposed hike, the average bill for a typical single-family homeowner would increase from $939 a year, to $991 a year. The cost for a typical multifamily building with metered billing would increase from to $610 per unit to $644.

Linda Baran, president of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, said the latest proposed hike is frustrating, but "not a surprise."

"It's just unfortunate—you have homeowners and small businesses that are completely getting hit over the head with these rates," said Ms. Baran, who added that the hike would be especially problematic for businesses, such as restaurants, that use a lot of water.