Lynbrook Residents To Get Smaller Water Bill Increase

New York American Water customers in Lynbrook will see a smaller rate increase in the coming months after the New York Public Service Commissioner passed a plan proposed by the utility to stretch out the rate increases over a longer period.

The PSC approved the plan for the reduced rate increase, which the utility says will allow it to move forward with infrastructure improvements and rolling out new technology, which will give customers more data on their water usage.

According to the PSC, typical Lynbrook customers using 4,000 gallons per month will see an increase in their bills from $34.08 to $36.09, or 5.9 percent. That's lower than the increase that was set to take effect on April 1, which would have raised prices by $9.14.

“The Commission is taking every action possible to protect customers from avoidable rate increases,” said PSC Chair John B. Rhodes. “With this decision, we are postponing recovery of certain surcharges while still directing smart investments.”

Residents in New York American Water's Merrick district are also facing a rate increase. Prices will go up for the average customer by about $2.10 per month starting April 1.

State Sen. Todd Kaminsky, who was against the hikes, said that the reduction still didn't go far enough.

“While the burden on Lynbrook residents could have been worse, these rate hikes are still out of control, and this company needs to be held accountable,” Kaminsky said. “People deserve access to clean water and fair rates and I won’t let up until rates are rolled back to a reasonable level.”