June 28, 2000

Contact: (718/595-3601)

Water Board: Water Rate Increase for Fiscal Year 2005

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 1045-j(9-a) of the Public Authorities Law, that after public hearings were held on April 23, 26 and 27, 2004, in accordance with the provisions of such law, the New York City Water Board (the “Board”) has, at its meeting held on May 7, 2004, adopted a resolution approving increases in water rates to users of the Water Supply and Wastewater System of the City of New York, for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2004, from those rates currently in effect, and making certain billing policy changes and elaborations, as follows:

1. There will be a change from currently effective water and wastewater rates for services provided during the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2004. Metered and unmetered water rates will increase by 5.5%, rounded to the nearest whole penny. In particular the metered rate will increase from $1.52 to $1.60 per 100 cubic feet. The wastewater rate will remain at 159% of the applicable water charge.

2. There will also be changes to certain billing policies and miscellaneous fees and charges.
   1. Multiple Family Conservation Program (MCP) Application Extension: the deadline for filing an application for the MCP, previously set forth as 12/31/2004, has been extended by one year to 12/31/2005. Other billing programs due to expire 06/30/2005 have also been extended by one year.
   2. Exceptions to Standard Wastewater Allowances: the approved allowance percentage is to be rounded to the nearest 5% to facilitate regular and timely billing to customers.
   3. Comprehensive Water Reuse Program: the Board has established a billing program to encourage the reuse of water and wastewater within newly developed properties. The incentive includes a 25% reduction in water charges and eligibility for an Exception to the Standard Wastewater Allowance for properties that meet specific requirements as set forth in the Board’s Water and Wastewater Rate Schedule.
   4. Dishonored Check Charge has been increased from $15 to $20.
   5. Frontage Charges for Hose Bibs have been modified so that all hose bibs will incur a fixture charge rather than the prior Board policy of exempting from fixture charges hose bibs in excess of one per property.
   6. Existing Board and Department of Environmental Protection (“DEP”) policies and procedures have been reiterated and elaborated in the Rate Schedule to provide a more complete source of information to the Board’s customers including the following:
      1. Frontage Fixture Charge Adjustments – adjusted on a prospective basis only from the date the customer notifies DEP in writing, except for substantiated fixture profiles, which will be adjusted subject to the complaint filing period.
      2. Installation, Repair and Maintenance of Meters – DEP is not responsible for the installation or maintenance of any meter required to be installed by a customer in order to be eligible for a reduction in charges pursuant to a Billing Program.
      3. Part IX, Section 2.D.3 relating to the disposition of interest for non-meritorious appeals has been modified to exclude frivolous appeals.

Copies of the New York City Water Board Water and Wastewater Rate Schedule are available for inspection by the public during regular business hours at the offices of the New York City Water Board, 59-17 Junction Boulevard, 8th Floor, Flushing, New York 11373.