The Department of Environmental Protection has paused its policy requiring a homeowner to replace water meters on lead service lines following concerns shared by Council Member Robert Holden earlier this month.
The pause from the DEP follows a series of other commitments from the city agency, including the removal of Denial of Access fees and letters indicating DEP was unable to gain access to water meters for inspection, according to Holden’s office.
Holden, who represents neighborhoods in City Council District 30 — including Glendale, Maspeth, Middle Village and parts of Ridgewood — says the department’s efforts are a step in the right direction.
“While this action is not perfect, it represents progress,” Holden shared. “We will continue to advocate for our constituents to ensure they are treated fairly and justly by the DEP.”
The councilman shared that his constituents overwhelmed him with complaints about skyrocketing water bills and claims of service theft. Furthermore, letters from the DEP believed to have accused homeowners of service theft were shared with his office.
QNS contacted the DEP for clarification on the matter, following a letter sent to the agency by Holden on Friday, Aug. 2, when the city branch made clear it was not accusing customers of any water service theft.
The agency clarified that a letter sent regarding lead service lines may have caused some confusion and would be revised to provide further clarity.
“DEP is aware that the letter we sent relating to meters and lead service lines might be causing some confusion with homeowners and we are revising it to make instructions more clear,” DEP shared in a statement. “We are also reviewing our policy regarding meter installations on lead service lines.”
Homeowners are responsible for maintaining and replacing their water service lines that connect directly to the City’s water mains if they are not already connected or if an issue is present, so long as it is within the property line. The city recommends replacing lead service lines to avoid common health complications that come from using lead-lined plumbing.
The installation of non-lead service lines are recommended by the agency and has already been put into practice through a pilot program that is expected to expand across the city.
Since the last communication between Holden and DEP, the city agency has suspended the penalty phase of a policy requiring properties to hire a plumber to replace water meters on lead service lines.
DEP has also pledged to stop sending letters that may imply theft of services, according to the councilman.
Holden’s credit to the DEP for its efforts to help solve constituent concerns is met with a tough reminder that more needs to be done. He also encourages anyone receiving any additional letters claiming financial penalties from the DEP to contact his district office.
“DEP’s acknowledgment of the need to reform its approach to lead service lines is a step in the right direction,” said Holden. “When constituents contacted my office about the DEP’s handling of lead service lines and water meters, we sprang into action. While the response from the DEP is a step forward, more work remains. My office is always committed to ensuring that government works for you, not against you.”
DEP Commissioner Rohit Aggarwala told Holden that letters with detailed information about meter replacements and potential reimbursements are being sent to affected customers.
