New York American Water - Sea Cliff

Our water is sourced from two wells distributed throughout our service area. One well reaches 610 feet deep (Lloyd aquifer), while the other extends 310 feet (Magothy aquifer). At these depths, bacteriological contaminants are typically absent, making the water directly from these wells potable. However, treatment remains essential to safeguard water quality throughout the distribution network.

Our treatment process includes:

• Chlorination using Calcium Hypochlorite and Sodium Hypochlorite for bacteriological disinfection
• Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide) application to increase pH and minimize corrosion in water mains and household plumbing
• Calciquest (phosphate compound) treatment to maintain optimal conditions, prevent plumbing corrosion, and manage naturally-occurring iron and manganese that could cause water discoloration

System Improvements in 2017:

• Replaced approximately 5 service lines
• NOTE: NYAW suspended main replacement activities in the Sea Cliff district during summer 2017 due to emergency conditions from Sea Cliff well failure
• Completed emergency repairs to the Sea Cliff Well to maintain operations during summer pumping season
• Finished mechanical and electrical system upgrades at Sea Cliff Pumping Station
• Completed construction of new emergency interconnection with Jericho Water District
• Finished design and permitting for replacement of elevated storage tank at Glen Head Tank site
• Completed design, permitting, and began construction on re-drilling the Sea Cliff Well, including new well building

Planned improvements for 2018:

• Replacement of approximately 3,500 feet of water main throughout service territory
• Replacement of 50 service line connections
• Replacement of 5 fire hydrants
• Complete rehabilitation of chemical treatment and electrical controls at Glen Head pump station
• Begin construction on replacement of elevated storage tank at Glen Head Tank site
• Complete construction of re-drilled well and new well house at Sea Cliff Well Site
• Continue engineering planning for freshwater supply well for Sea Cliff service area

1. When do I receive a water bill? Residential customers typically receive quarterly bills, while commercial customers are billed monthly.
2. Do we purchase our water from the City of Detroit or elsewhere? The City of Detroit.
3. What is the sewer fee? It covers the processing costs for wastewater and sewage treatment.
4. What is a sur-rate? An additional sewer charge applied to non-residential (typically industrial) customers.
5. Why is there a meter fee on my bill? This fee covers the "use" of the meter and applies to customers with meters sized 1-inch through 6-inch.
6. How is my bill calculated? Generally by multiplying units used by the applicable rate(s).
7. What constitutes a unit? 748 gallons of water or 100 cubic feet.
8. How are water and sewer rates established? Rates reflect the City of Inkster's service delivery costs and are enacted through council resolution.
9. What does "arrears" mean? This indicates a late payment amount. A minus sign may indicate an overpayment or credit.
10. Will my bill be adjusted if I overpay or if the city over-bills me? Absolutely! Overpayments are credited to your next bill, and we'll make appropriate adjustments for any billing errors.
11. Does a main break affect my bill? No! You're only charged for water that passes through your meter.
12. Is a meter leak my responsibility or the City's? It's the customer's responsibility.
13. If I turn off water at the meter and don't use any, will I still be billed? Yes, as long as you maintain access to water service, you'll receive a minimum bill.
14. What is a minimum bill? Usage from zero to 10 units is billed as 10 units. The current minimum for a 5/8 meter is $49.10.
15. Why does my bill seem high? We estimate average usage at 10-15 units per person per quarterly billing cycle.
16. How do I ensure my water account is paid before moving? Contact the water department at least one week in advance to schedule a final reading appointment.
17. How do I update my mailing address or name on the account? Visit the Change Mailing Address page on our website.