Res. No. 1277
Resolution calling upon the State Legislature adopt, and the Governor to sign, A.9550/S.6539 which would provide homeowners in New York City an abatement of real property taxes for the installation cost of sewer improvement check valve devices.
By Council Member Avella, Gennaro, James and Liu
Whereas, Backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow of non-potable water (industrial wastewater, rainwater, and street runoff) through a cross connection and into the piping of a public water system or a consumer's potable (drinking) water system; and
Whereas, Backflow occurs when pollutants or contaminants enter into the safe
drinking water system through an uncontrolled cross connection; and
Whereas, A cross connection exists whenever the drinking water system is, or could be, connected to any non-potable source (i.e. plumbing fixture, or any equipment used in a plumbing system); and
Whereas, To control these cross-connections and prevent backflow, a sewer improvement check valve, or backflow device, must be installed at the point of the cross connection; and
Whereas, Approximately 70% of the City's sewers operate on a combined sewer system, where potable and non-potable water are collected in the same sewers and then conveyed together to the City's treatment plants; and
Whereas, During periods of heavy rain and snow, when the groundwater is high, and the capacity of the system is exceeded, combined sewers fill to capacity and are unable to carry the combined potable and non-potable water to the plants; and
Whereas, If the water cannot flow to the plants, then the mix of storm water and untreated water may flow through residential sink drains, and flood drains on lower levels, such as basements; and
Whereas, On July 18, 2007 and August 8, 2007, New York City experienced such extreme flooding caused by torrential rain that the Federal Emergency Management Agency deemed many homeowners, who suffered major property damage, eligible for disaster assistance; and
Whereas, Backflow devices allow water to flow away from the sinks, drains, and basements of homeowners, thereby preventing sewage from backing up into their basement and sink drains; and
Whereas, Such devices will help prevent homeowners from enduring severe financial hardship from property damage and cleaning expenses due to backflow; and
Whereas, The high cost of backflow devices, which can range from $1,400 to $3,000 in New York City, may deter homeowners from purchasing and installing the device; and
Whereas, Allowing homeowners to receive a property tax abatement of up to 50% of the cost to install a backflow device (up to $2,000) will allow them to take a proactive measure to protect their property against flooding; now, therefore be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the State Legislature to adopt, and the Governor to sign, A.9550/S.6539 which would provide homeowners in New York City an abatement of real property taxes for the installation cost of sewer improvement check valve devices.
TT 1/28/08
LS#3997