The program tracks the weekly consumption and actual cost of water, based on the annual rate announced by the New York Water Board. Midboro then runs a parallel Excel program for every property. This second program is based on the data and charges listed on the actual New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) water meter bills.

The advantages to this program are:
a) leaks or running toilets are immediately detected;
b) overcharges on NYC DEP bills are caught and corrected; and
c) buildings stay within their projected budget.

This last item is critical because water bills are probably the most unpredictable part of a property's budget. Although the DEP is supposed to bill each quarter, sometimes the bills cover six- or nine-month periods. About two years ago, I found one building that was over budget by $10,000 when a nine-month bill came in. A building-wide free audit (paid for by NYC DEP) annualized running toilets, drips, etc. and projected a $15,000 increase if those leaks were left unattended.

This led to developing our computerized tracking system for each property. This also led to our discussions with Warren Leopold, head of technical services for DEP throughout New York City. He told me about a new plan, the Multiple Family Conservation Proposal. This proposal offers owners of housing consisting of six or more units an option to elect billing either on a metered basis or on a system of fixed rate charges per unit in exchange for their investment in low flow plumbing hardware and fixtures and their cooperation in conservation efforts. It is anticipated that the charge per unit will be $414 for fiscal year 2001. The rate will be subject to change each year and will be reviewed periodically to ensure that it continues to be consistent with the New York City Water Board's objectives.

Highlights of the proposal include: