April 3, 2001

Contact: (718/595-3601)

Hearings on Proposed Rates and Changes

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in accordance with Section 1045-j(3) of the Public Authorities Law, public hearings will be held on April 23, 24 and 25, 2001, concerning proposed rates and charges to be effective July 1, 2001, for the use of, or services rendered or made available by the Water and Wastewater System of the City of New York (the "System") and concerning proposed billing and customer service policy changes to be incorporated into the New York City Water Board's Rate Schedule effective July 1, 2001. The hearings will be held as follows:

1. It is anticipated that there will be a change from currently effective water and wastewater rates for services provided during the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2001:
   1. Metered and unmetered water rates will increase by an amount not to exceed 3.5% (three and one half percent).
   2. The wastewater rate will remain at 159% of the corresponding water charge which is payable on each account.
   3. The regulated rate for water provided to municipalities and water districts outside of the City which does not exceed the allowance quantities set forth in Section 24-360 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York will increase to an amount not to exceed $448.91 per million gallons, and the rate charged for water provided to municipalities and water districts outside of the City which exceeds the allowance quantities of water set forth in Section 24-360 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York will be equal to the in-City metered rate of an amount not to exceed $1,818.18 per million gallons.
2. It is also contemplated that certain billing and customer service policies will be changed or clarified. Significant changes include:
   1. Part IX - Customer Account Information and Complaint Resolution
      
      The proposed changes provide that a customer may request an explanation of a water and wastewater bill or charge by calling the DEP Customer Service Call Center at (718) 595-7000, by visiting a borough office of the Bureau of Customer Services (BCS), by writing DEP/BCS Customer Service, C.S. 739055, Elmhurst, NY 11373-9055 or by visiting DEP's website www.nyc.gov/dep. If a customer is not satisfied with the initial review of their bill, a complaint must be made in writing to DEP/BCS Customer Service, C.S. 739055, Elmhurst, NY 11373-9055. DEP will respond in writing within 90 days of receipt of the complaint. Should the customer wish to appeal this decision, a written appeal must be made within 90 days.
   2. Multiple-Family Conservation Program Proposal
      
      This new program is being proposed for final approval by the Board. The program offers owners of multiple family housing consisting of six or more dwelling units, an option to elect billing based on a fixed charge per dwelling unit, if the owner invests in low-consumption plumbing hardware and fixtures, and cooperates with DEP in conservation efforts in their building. Under this program, the charge for each dwelling unit will be fixed at an amount not to exceed $439 per billable dwelling unit.
      
      It is intended that as of July 1, 2004, the Multiple-Family Conservation Program will replace Frontage Billing, the Regular Bill Cap, the Renovation Bill Cap, the Transition Program and the Pre-Transition Program for Residential Premises with six or more dwelling units.

All members of the public who wish to obtain copies of the Board's Information Booklet describing the rate proposal, and the proposed billing policy modifications, or who wish to testify at the hearing should contact Kevin Kunkle, New York City Water Board, 59-17 Junction Boulevard, 8th Floor, Corona, New York 11368, (718) 595-3601 not later than April 19, 2001. Oral testimony will be limited to five (5) minutes duration. A copy of any prepared or written statement may be submitted to the Water Board at the above address at least two days prior to the meeting.