A Queens grandmother, Margaret McGowan, is facing an unbelievable $22,466 water bill, and despite multiple appeals, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) refuses to adjust the charges. Living on a fixed income, McGowan says she cannot afford to pay, and now she fears losing her home due to the accumulating debt.
Unexpected Water Bill Shocks Queens Homeowner
McGowan, who has lived in Queens for 86 years, has always been careful about maintaining her home. But when her latest water bill arrived, she was left stunned.
- Her usual bill: $200–$300 per quarter
- The new bill: $22,466
- Back-billed for: Two years at the higher rate
According to McGowan, there was no reason for her bill to skyrocket tenfold overnight. Despite appealing the charges twice, the DEP denied her requests, insisting that she is responsible for the amount.
DEP’s Response: Claims of a Leak and Meter Issues
The NYC DEP responded to the dispute by stating:
“Technicians have visited the property several times to confirm all equipment is working properly – which leads us to believe there has been a significant water leak within the home.”
However, McGowan maintains that she is unaware of any leak.
Interestingly, after the DEP replaced her water meter, the charges returned to normal, but the agency declined to explain why.
State Senator Calls Out DEP: “Government Gone Awry”
New York State Senator John Liu has stepped in, calling the situation “government gone awry.”
He believes the DEP is withholding key information and unfairly placing the burden on McGowan.
“The DEP is claiming that this woman used enough water to fill 10 swimming pools every single month for two years. It’s just inexplicable.”
Liu is now demanding that DEP fix the issue and stop pressuring McGowan with threats of legal action.
McGowan Faces House Lien as Debt Grows
Because she cannot afford to pay, McGowan is now receiving notices that a lien may be placed on her home.
Her main concerns:
- Monthly interest is increasing the bill
- Constant stress over potential legal action
- Fear of losing her home
“I think about this all the time,” she said, longing for a resolution.
What Can Homeowners Do If They Face Unexpected Water Bills?
If you ever receive a sudden, unexplained increase in your water bill, here’s what you should do:
- Request a Meter Check – Ask your water provider to inspect your meter for possible malfunctions.
- Look for Leaks – Check pipes, toilets, and appliances for hidden leaks.
- Compare Past Bills – Keep track of your normal water usage and compare it to the new bill.
- Appeal the Charges – File an appeal with the water department and insist on a detailed explanation.
- Seek Legal Help – If the issue isn’t resolved, contact your local representative or a consumer rights attorney.
