DeRiggi-Whitton: “Public Takeover of American Water”

by Chris O’Neill

Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D - Glen Cove), is calling for the public takeover of New York American Water, a private utility company that has been heavily criticized for dramatically raising its prices.

According to DeRiggi-Whitton, "By establishing public control of this precious natural resource, we have an opportunity to put an end to the profiteering that ratepayers have endured.”

American Water provides water service to all or parts of Sea Cliff, Glen Head, the Brookvilles, and Glen Cove. Local residents have seen massive increases in their water bills from American Water, with the company claiming that the increases were due to alleged “meter errors.”

Three virtual public forums have been scheduled to discuss the feasibility of a public takeover of New York American Water. The forums, via Zoom, are scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 23 (focus on the Sea Cliff area), Wednesday, February 24 (focus on the East Massapequa area), and Thursday, February 25 (focus on the Southwest Nassau County area).

To sign up, go to www.dps.ny.gov and enter Case Number 20-W-0102 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number."

Local political leaders have charged a connection between the 2020 sale of American Water to the Canadian utility giant Liberty Utilities, and the huge price hikes. The price increases caused a jump in revenues to American Water, which in turn made the company more lucrative to the sellers, according to DeRiggi-Whitton.

Shareholders of NY American Water have seen their stock soar by some 500 percent since the corporation came into the North Shore, according to the Legislator.