New York City owed over $100M in unpaid water bills: DEP

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- It's not just a drop in the bucket.

New York City's Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala said the city is owed $1.3 billion in unpaid water bills. Specifically, the city said 2,400 "flagrant violators" owe $102 million.

At a news conference Wednesday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said NYC Water costs only a penny per gallon. He said the city would shut off the water to the repeat offenders.

"You have two weeks. We've tried everything. We tried to communicate with you. Our goal is never to turn off your water; our goal is to get you to pay your water bill," Adams warned.

Aggarwala said the City Council has not renewed the city's ability to put liens on properties with outstanding bills. He said that used to be the best tool for collecting the money. PIX11 News requested a list of the top offenders.

In an email, the city DEP provided this list:

• Hotel Hayden: $372,026
• Dexter House: $330,581
• The Draper New York: $307,690
• The Mave Hotel NYC: $258,716

PIX11 reached out; however, emails and phone calls to the hotels for comments were not returned.

PIX11 News also asked the City Council why it hasn't renewed the city's ability to put a lien on properties with outstanding water bills.

A spokesman issued this statement:

"The Council is committed to enacting solutions that protect homeowners, especially seniors, veterans, and those in communities of color, who too often have been placed in jeopardy of losing their homes and the equity they have built up over generations. We look forward to continue working with the Administration, advocates, impacted communities, and all stakeholders to advance policies that address outstanding charges while supporting the economic health of homeowners, our communities, and the City."