Extend New York’s pause on water shutoffs

This week celebrates World Water Day 2021 with the theme “valuing water.” As a nurse educator at Mercy College’s School of Health and Natural Sciences, I know the importance of clean and safe water for life and health and join with health care professionals recognizing the value of protecting our water and providing equitable access to this vital resource for all.

Clean water has never been more important. However, New Yorkers do not always have adequate access to crucial affordable, clean running water. In June 2020, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an important statewide moratorium on utility shutoffs during the COVID -19 public health crisis. The moratorium is scheduled to end at the end of March, with millions of New Yorkers again at risk of losing their water access.

While progress has been made with vaccinations being more available to protect us and President Joe Biden's American Rescue Plan helping millions of financially struggling Americans, we are still in an economic crisis. New Yorkers are still unemployed or with wages slashed and are unable to pay their bills and still risk water insecurity in the months ahead. Some need help to afford water, a basic necessity. The utility shutoff moratorium offers strong protection from water shutoff and the opportunity for interestfree payment agreements, but few customers are aware of this option; it does not address the underlying water affordability crisis in the state.

For the health of our most vulnerable New Yorkers, the state Legislature should extend the protections of the water moratorium. Making these protections permanent for equitable access to affordable water for all New Yorkers should be the ultimate goal to ensure public health.

Adrienne Wald

High Falls