Liberty Water rate hike proposal draws opposition from local officials

Water is a necessity, but many Liberty Water customers worry about their monthly bills potentially jumping by nearly 30 percent. I think it's ridiculous. I think it's too much. Everything's going up, so I'm not surprised. Liberty filed a request to raise rates with the State Public Service Commission in May. If approved, Liberty estimates customers in Lindbrook would pay an additional $27.77 a month, $26.89 in Seacliff, and about $21.20 more in Merrick. People are paying too much for water that have Liberty Water, and the idea that they're looking for even more is outrageous. As News 12 has reported, rate hikes are not new to Liberty customers. In 2021, the state created the South Nassau Water Authority to facilitate a public takeover of the water system and stabilize rates. But they're still in the negotiation phase with the private company. Liberty New York Water says the money from this latest increase would go towards iron and PFAS removal treatments and replacing water mains and lead service lines. They've raised it a lot and it's difficult. The community will also have a chance to weigh in. There will be two in-person public hearings on November 18th at 12 p.m. at the Merrick Public Library Community Room and at 5 p.m. at the Lindbrook Library Community Room. There will also be two virtual hearings on December 2nd at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. I will be at the hearing. I don't know if we really have a choice. In Merrick, Nassau County, Julia Rozier, News 12.