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Water

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1. When do I receive a water bill?

In most instances, if it is a residential customer, you are billed quarterly. If it is a commercial (business) customer, you are billed on a monthly basis.

2. Do we purchase our water from the City of Detroit or somewhere else?

The City of Detroit.

3. Explain the sewer charge?

It is a charge for the processing of the waste (sewage).

4. What is a sur-charge?

An excess sewer charge for non-residential (usually commercial) customers.

5. Why is there a meter charge on my bill?

It is for the "use" of the meter and charged to customers who have a 1inch up to a 6 inch meter in size.

6. How is my bill computed?

In most cases, the number of units used x the rate(s).

7. What is a unit?

748 gallons of water or 100 cubic feet.

8. How are the water and sewer rates established?

They are based upon the cost to the City of Inkster to deliver the service to our customers and acted on by council resolution.

9. What does arrears mean?

It is a past due amount. If a minus sign appears behind the amount, it can indicate an overpayment or a credited amount.

10. If I overpay my bill or the city over-bills my account, will my bill be adjusted?

Absolutely! If an over-payment occurs it will be credited to your next bill and if we over-bill your account we will make the appropriate adjustment. We try to do everything within our control to make sure the customer’s bill is correct.

11. Does a main break have an effect on my bill?

No! You are billed only for water that goes through your meter.

12. Is a meter leak my problem or the City’s?

It is the customer’s responsibility.

13. If I turn the water off at the meter and not use any water will I still get a bill?

Yes, as long as you have access to the water, you will be billed a minimum bill.

14. What is a minimum bill?

If you use no units up to ten units you will be billed for ten units. The current minimum bill for a 5/8 meter is $49.10.

15. Why is my bill so high?

There are a number of reasons it could appear to be high but we estimate, on average, that each person in the household will use anywhere from 10 to 15 units per person, per quarterly billing.

16. What do I need to do to ensure that my water account is paid up-to-date before I move from my home?

You should call the water department at least one week in advance to make an appointment for a final bill. The water department staff will compute a final bill up to the date we receive a reading.

17. How do I change my mailing address or put my name on the account?

Please view the Change Mailing Address page.