Frequently Asked Questions

Residential and Commercial property are billed on a monthly basis.

If no water is used at all during the month, you will only be charged the Service Charge and/or Surcharge on applicable accounts.

Please view the slideshow provided by the Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency here 

Priority is our new service provider for waste management, effective July 1, 2024.

Phone: (586) 228-1200

Live Chat: Prioritywaste.com

Yes, your service day will remain the same. Please have your trash, recycling, and compost out by 7 am the day of your service. Remember, you have a collection day, not a collection time.

No, Priority will perform the same services according to the contract specifications of your municipality.

Priority observes six major holidays including Christmas, New Years Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day.

Yes, Priority will service the exiting carts that you are using. If you are in need of a cart repair, Contact us by phone or website.

The new water metering system provides a greater opportunity for enhanced customer service by providing more data for customers and City staff that could indicate high water consumption from a continuous or intermittent leak. The modern technology will also increase staff efficiency to collect readings on a monthly basis.

• Replacement Is Free
• There Will Be A Brief Interruption In Water Service During Appointment
• Expect Improved Customer Service And Better Accuracy Of Your Water Bill

The new radio will connect to your water meter. It will transmit a radio signal containing the meter reading that can be picked up by radio receivers placed around the community without the need to physically walk from property to property.  

Most water meters are located in the basement of your home. They are usually on the wall facing the street. The meter is not located outside. If you have a finished basement, meters have occasionally been placed behind walls, in cabinets, or other remodeled areas. To ensure a quick installation, please take a few minutes to locate your water meter before Hydro Corp's arrival.

Yes. The new reading technology is required for future billing as the old system is no longer supported.

The installer will not enter your home unless authorized to do so by someone 18 years old or older.

The City of Inkster has contracted Hydro Corp to install the new water meter reading technology. The firm was selected via competitive bidding. All Hydro Corp installation technicians have completed training and background checks and will have photo identification, wear identifiable uniforms, and drive marked vehicles. If you have any questions about the person at your door, please call (313) 563-9774 to verify their identity.

Yes. Hydro Corp will need to shut off the water to replace the water meter, so please make sure your water shut-off valves are operational before you schedule your appointment. After the new meter is installed, the technician will turn the water back on.

Please plan to have clear access to the meter when the installer arrives. The water meter is the property of the City of Inkster, and homeowners are obligated to provide clear and unobstructed access to it. If there are boxes or stored items in the way, these items must be cleared before the arrival of the meter installer. The installer is not allowed to move your personal items, which may delay the installation process. If, for any reason, the water meter has been covered by drywall or paneling, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure that the meter is accessible.

Customers will be asked to schedule an appointment within a 4-hour block of time (for example, 8 a.m.- 12 p.m.). Once the installer arrives within this window, the work should take 30-60 minutes.

It depends on the use. Medical and Recreational Dispensaries/Provisioning Centers can be located in the B-1, Local Business District, B-2, Thoroughfare Mixed Use District, B-3, General Business District, and TCD, Town Center District. These uses must be 1,000ft away (measured from front door to front door) from each other, schools, childcare, City playgrounds, Microbusinesses, and Churches (Drug Free Zones).

Microbusinesses have the same rules as above, but also must be located in the Entertainment District (Michigan Ave, between Henry Ruff Rd and Middlebelt). 

Both Recreational and Medical Marijuana Cultivation, Processing, Testing, Transport, or any use that is NOT retail MUST be in the M-1, Light Industrial District. They must be 300ft from Residentially Zoned properties (measured from front door to front door).

The City Clerk has licensed.

See Flow Chart. 

It means more than 10% of water samples taken from homes were above 12 ppb, requiring the city to take additional steps. It does not mean every home has elevated lead.

No. Boiling does not remove lead. Use a certified filter instead.

Yes — MDHHS recommends filters for households with lead or galvanized plumbing, a lead service line, copper with lead solder, or pre-2014 faucets.

Look at your service line, fixtures, or call 313-563-9774 for help identifying materials.

Both tenants and landlords can request testing and service line information.

Yes — use cold, filtered water to prepare infant formula.

Many residents are not aware that they are responsible for maintaining the water and sewer lines on their property. When these lines fail, repairs can be costly and unexpected. The City is providing information to help residents better understand their responsibilities and available options.

No. This program is offered by Service Line Warranties of America (SLWA), an independent company. The City has partnered with SLWA to review and approve program materials for residents.

No. Participation is completely optional. Residents can decide if this program is right for them.

Coverage may include:

• Water service line repairs
• Sewer line repairs
• Optional interior plumbing and drainage

Specific coverage details will be included in the enrollment materials sent to residents.

Costs can vary depending on the issue, but water line repairs can average around $2,800 or more, and sewer repairs can be significantly higher depending on the situation.

Plan pricing varies based on coverage options. Details will be provided in the official mailing and enrollment materials.

Residents will receive a mailed letter with instructions on how to enroll:

• Online
• By phone
• By mail

1. Call the 24/7 service number
2. Provide details about the issue
3. A contractor will contact you
4. Repairs are scheduled and completed

Repairs are completed by licensed, insured, and vetted contractors arranged by SLWA.

The City logo indicates there is a formal partnership and that the City has reviewed the program materials. It helps residents recognize the information as legitimate.

The City is providing information about the program and has reviewed materials for accuracy. However, participation is optional and the program is administered by an independent company.

The City’s involvement helps ensure residents receive accurate, trustworthy information and that the provider has been vetted.

The program is designed to be cost-neutral to the City. Its purpose is to provide residents with an optional service—not to generate revenue.

No. This is not a utility charge and will not appear on your water bill.

This is a service plan, not traditional insurance. Coverage details are outlined in the program materials.

No. Enrollment is entirely voluntary.

📞 SLWA Customer Service: 1-844-257-8795
🌐 Website: www.slwofa.com

The City of Inkster encourages residents to review all materials carefully and make the decision that best fits their household needs.