The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has a new system to protect homeowners, their water and hopefully, their wallets.
Residential property owners citywide are responsible for maintaining their water and sewer service lines, which can stretch underground from homes and out to the middle of the street. If any part of that line is compromised and needs repair, the cost could come from homeowners’ pockets.
Under the new citywide program, the DEP has partnered with private company American Water Resources (AWR) and now offers a monthly fee to cover potential service line issues. As opposed to paying thousands of dollars to repair a water or sewer line break, costs for the AWR program run up to $12 a month.
“This is such a simple process,” said Karen Ellis, borough coordinator for Queens at the DEP. “Everything is included.”
For the fee, members receive unlimited protection for covered repairs, an unlimited number of claims, 24/7 customer service and licensed plumbers making fixes.
“The service line protection programs are a key component of our ongoing effort to provide the best customer service,” said DEP Commissioner Carter Strickland. “By informing property owners about their responsibilities and providing an optional and affordable way to protect them from unexpected repair costs, the programs offer a valuable service to our ratepayers throughout the city.”
Customers can elect to choose just the water protection program, just sewer line protection, or both. They may also discontinue their involvement at any time. Rates are subject to potential increases.
AWR provides protection services in 35 states, according to Malcolm D. Connor, AWR president.
For more information on AWR and the water and sewer protection programs, call 1-888-300-3570 or visit AWRUSA.com/NYC.
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