Albany – A bill (S.8113-A/A.10521) that prohibits service shut-offs by utilities during the COVID-19 state of emergency, including water service shut-offs, has passed both houses of the NYS Legislature. For New Yorkers who suffer financial harm due to the COVID-19 crisis, the bill, sponsored by Senator Kevin Parker and Assemblymember Walter T. Mosley, also bans shut-offs for 180 days after the end of the state of emergency, prohibits late fees and penalties, and guarantees access to extended or deferred repayment plans.
Water shut-offs are a practice that many utilities employ when households are unable to afford their water bills. For example, from 2015 through March 2019, the City of Buffalo terminated water in over 17,000 instances. In 2016, Suffolk County Water Authority disconnected water service for one percent of its customers, affecting 9,553 people.
Not included in the bill is a restoration of water service for customers whose water was shut off prior to the COVID-19 crisis and are still without service. Advocates in Buffalo estimate that hundreds of occupied homes in the city may be without running water since before the crisis, putting them at greater risk of contracting COVID-19.
Maureen Cunningham, senior director for clean water at Environmental Advocates of New York said, “Clean water is the first line of defense for all New Yorkers against the spread of COVID-19. We are grateful to the NYS Legislature for recognizing this important connection, by banning water service shut-offs during the crisis and providing residents who are financially strapped with relief from further penalties. We urge Governor Cuomo to act quickly by signing this essential legislation into law. While this is an important first step, New Yorkers whose water was cut off before the crisis still need this basic service restored. State leaders should continue to work on making water accessible and affordable for all New Yorkers.”
Eric Weltman, a Brooklyn-based organizer with Food & Water Action said, “Water is a public health necessity during this crisis. Handwashing is key to stopping the spread of the coronavirus. Keeping the taps flowing in our homes is fundamental to protecting our health and safety. We applaud the Legislature for ensuring that New Yorkers have access to water in their homes.”
Source: Environmental Advocates of New York
Water shut-offs are a practice that many utilities employ when households are unable to afford their water bills. For example, from 2015 through March 2019, the City of Buffalo terminated water in over 17,000 instances. In 2016, Suffolk County Water Authority disconnected water service for one percent of its customers, affecting 9,553 people.
Not included in the bill is a restoration of water service for customers whose water was shut off prior to the COVID-19 crisis and are still without service. Advocates in Buffalo estimate that hundreds of occupied homes in the city may be without running water since before the crisis, putting them at greater risk of contracting COVID-19.
Maureen Cunningham, senior director for clean water at Environmental Advocates of New York said, “Clean water is the first line of defense for all New Yorkers against the spread of COVID-19. We are grateful to the NYS Legislature for recognizing this important connection, by banning water service shut-offs during the crisis and providing residents who are financially strapped with relief from further penalties. We urge Governor Cuomo to act quickly by signing this essential legislation into law. While this is an important first step, New Yorkers whose water was cut off before the crisis still need this basic service restored. State leaders should continue to work on making water accessible and affordable for all New Yorkers.”
Eric Weltman, a Brooklyn-based organizer with Food & Water Action said, “Water is a public health necessity during this crisis. Handwashing is key to stopping the spread of the coronavirus. Keeping the taps flowing in our homes is fundamental to protecting our health and safety. We applaud the Legislature for ensuring that New Yorkers have access to water in their homes.”
Source: Environmental Advocates of New York
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