For many families in Brooklyn and New York City, the taps are about to go dry.

The Department of Environmental Protection is cracking down on those who owe more than $1,000 in overdue water bills. To help combat the problem and help families, the DEP is offering a payment plan.

However, those who may soon lose their water say the plan won't be very helpful. One resident says the initial payment in the program is more than she can afford.

Critics of the move say the crackdown is coming at a bad time as it is going to mostly affect those caught up in the mortgage crisis. More than 6,000 people could be affected citywide.

The DEP says it conducted extensive outreach and advertising about the payment plan. In addition, representatives say about 30 percent of families affected by the crackdown have already enrolled in the program. The deadline for enrollment is Feb. 21.

Related information:Department of Environmental ProtectionPayment Incentive Program