New York American Water announced that it plans to raise rates.

The company says the increase is part of a four-year rate plan to cover the operating costs of delivering water to customers.

For the average customer, it means around a $4 increase per month.

Nelson Cohen, of Merrick, says the company keeps promising to improve service, but it never happens.

Lee Mueller, the New York American Water External Affairs manager, issued a statement saying, "New York American Water has conducted the annual reconciliation for the rate year ending March 31, 2019, to reconcile property taxes collected with property taxes paid and to collect revenues as approved by our current four-year rate plan to cover the operating costs associated with delivering water to our customers. For our average customer that uses 8,000 gallons a month, this amounts to monthly surcharge of approximately $2 to $4, depending on service area. In addition, taxes make up a significant portion of our customers' bills, between 33 and 59% depending on service area, and New York American Water continues to pursue solutions to address this tax inequity and the resulting financial burden on our customers."

Customers in Lynbrook are set to see an increase of about 6 ½%, Merrick will have an almost 6% hike and in Sea Cliff the increase will be about 4 ¾%.

"That's a lot of money with all the residents," says Mike Caporusso, of Merrick. "I would love to understand more where that increase comes from."

The hike comes in the wake of several increases including the controversial conservation rate that caused rates to soar and led to several investigations.

The increases will go into effect next month.