Mejias Leads Opposition to Aqua-NY Water Rate Hike

“The Only Ones Winning Are the Aqua Stockholders”

Legislator Dave Mejias (D-Farmingdale) has called for a community-wide fight against a 12% water rate hike being proposed by the private Aqua-NY Water Company. He urged all Aqua-NY customers to record a resounding “No” by writing to the Public Service Commission which is currently deliberating the issue.

Legislator Mejias said, “At a time when the people of Nassau County are economically parched Aqua Water’s greed has them swimming in profits. To increase the rates by 12% during these difficult economic times is unconscionable. The only ones winning here are the Aqua stockholders. The company is being driven by greed at the expense of our local taxpayers.”

Aqua-NY is a subsidiary of Aqua America. The company services Wantagh, Seaford, Levittown, East Massapequa and Massapequa Park which are in Legislator Mejias’ constituency. In their own report, Aqua America cites “despite the poor economic conditions in 2008, revenues rose to $627 million from $602 million in 2007.”

“If these rate increases were defensible, Aqua NY should have put notices in their most recent bill. At the very least the Public Service Commission should be holding public hearings in the communities of the affected. I am calling on Aqua NY and the Public Service Commission to hold public hearings in Levittown and Massapequa for my constituents,” said Legislator Mejias.

The deadline for submitting written comments is October 9, 2009 and can be made by email: secretary@dps.state.ny.us or by regular mail; Hon. Jaclyn A. Brilling, Secretary, Public Service Commission, Three Empire State Plaze, Albany NY. 12223.

Legislator Dave Mejias is pictured leading the opposition to a proposed water rate hike by Aqua-NY.

Legislator Mejias urges all Aqua-NY customers to register a resounding "No Water Rate Hike!"