Public Advocate Bill de Blasio is pushing a bill aimed at protecting home and business owners from extra penalties as they contest high water bills.

The measure would prohibit lien sales, which can lead to foreclosure, and late fees.

De Blasio says the threat of those penalties leads many customers to give up their fight over fears of losing their home or business.

Earlier this year, de Blasio released a report that found the city's new high-tech water meters were generating unexplained spikes in costs for customers.

He also says last year a record number of water bills were contested after the meters were installed.

The bill is being co-sponsored by 10 City Council members.