Detroit Water Bill Pay Center for DWSD Portal, Kiosks and Shutoff Protection
This guide is for Detroit residents who need to pay a DWSD water, sewerage or drainage bill, register for the Customer Portal, use a DivDat kiosk, schedule a payment, enter a payment arrangement, or get help before water service is interrupted.
Each section gives the official action link, phone number, payment path or assistance program next to the step, so users can move from “I need to pay” to the correct DWSD option without guessing.
Fast answer: Detroit DWSD customers can pay online in the Customer Self-Service Portal, use the automated phone system at 313-267-8000, pay at more than 50 no-fee DivDat kiosks, or mail a check/money order to the Board of Water Commissioners. The portal also lets customers view bills, schedule payments, enroll in AutoPay, enter a payment arrangement and track water usage.
If the bill is past due: do not wait for shutoff. DWSD says “no one has to lose their water service.” Low-income households may check Lifeline H2O, customers with past-due balances can ask about EasyPay with $10 down, and medical-necessity customers may request a temporary 28-day hold if documentation rules are met.
Detroit DWSD Bill Pay: 10 Quick Attributes With Answers
Detroit DWSD Action Board: Use the Correct Official Link
Choose the card that matches the user’s situation. Each step includes the official next click or phone number, not only a general explanation.
I need to pay online
Use the DWSD Customer Self-Service Portal to view the bill, make or schedule payment, enroll in AutoPay, enter an arrangement or track usage.
Open DWSD PortalI want to pay cash
Use a no-fee DivDat kiosk. DWSD says kiosks accept cash, check, debit or credit card.
Find kioskMy bill is past due
Call DWSD and ask about EasyPay or assistance before water service is interrupted.
Call 313-267-8000I may qualify for Lifeline
Lifeline H2O can provide a $34 monthly water, sewerage and drainage bill for eligible households using up to 4,500 gallons.
Apply for LifelineI am not low-income but owe a balance
EasyPay may help any customer with a past-due balance enroll with $10 down and spread the rest over 36 months.
EasyPay detailsI have a water or sewer emergency
Use the DWSD Customer Service and Emergency Line for water and sewer emergencies.
Call emergency lineHow to Pay a Detroit Water and Sewerage Bill Online
Open the official DWSD portal
Start at the Customer Self-Service Portal, not a third-party ad. This is the official DWSD online account path.
Open portalRegister if your name is on the bill
If your name is on the DWSD bill, DWSD says you can register for an online account.
Register accountCall if your name is not on the bill
If your name is not on the bill, DWSD says to call Customer Service at 313-267-8000.
Call DWSDUse portal tools after payment
View current and past bills, schedule payments, enroll in AutoPay, enter a payment arrangement and monitor water usage.
Portal instructionsDetroit DWSD Payment Options: Portal, Kiosk, Phone and Mail
| Payment method | Official detail | Best for | Official action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Portal | Pay, schedule payment, AutoPay, payment arrangement, billing history and usage tracking. | Most customers, recurring payment, arrangements and usage monitoring. | Open portal |
| DivDat kiosk | More than 50 no-fee kiosks in and around Detroit; cash, check, debit/credit card accepted. | Cash payment, no-fee local payment, urgent receipt when kiosk is nearby. | Find kiosk |
| Phone payment | DWSD automated pay-by-phone system uses 313-267-8000. | Customers who prefer phone payment or need customer service in the same call. | Call 313-267-8000 |
| Check or money order payable to Board of Water Commissioners. | Non-urgent payment only. | See mail address | |
| In-person downtown help | DWSD says in-person assistance is by appointment only for the downtown location; all centers are closed. | Account help that cannot be handled online or by phone. | Call for appointment |
Past-Due DWSD Bill or Shutoff Risk: What to Do First
Detroit customers with a past-due balance should act before service interruption. DWSD’s assistance pages point to Lifeline, EasyPay, plumbing repair help and a medical hold process for specific situations.
Call the account line
Ask DWSD whether the account is in shutoff risk, the required payment, and whether EasyPay or Lifeline fits your household.
Call 313-267-8000Check Lifeline if income is limited
Eligible households may get a $34 monthly bill for water, sewerage and drainage, plus shutoff protection as long as the monthly bill is paid.
Apply for LifelineUse EasyPay if not low-income
Any customer class with a past-due balance may ask about EasyPay with $10 down and the remaining balance over 36 months.
EasyPay pageUse kiosk if you need cash payment
If you prefer cash, find a DivDat kiosk and keep the receipt. Then call DWSD if the shutoff deadline is close.
Find kioskPast-due call script
Lifeline H2O: Detroit’s Income-Based Water Affordability Plan
$34 monthly bill
DWSD lists Lifeline H2O as an affordable fixed bill at $34 monthly for water, sewerage and drainage.
Lifeline details4,500 gallons included
The plan includes up to 4,500 gallons of water usage per household per month before normal water and sewerage rates apply.
Apply onlineShutoff protection
DWSD says Lifeline customers receive shutoff protection while on the plan as long as they pay the monthly bill.
Call 313-435-2055| What to prepare | Why it matters | Official action |
|---|---|---|
| DWSD account number | The application needs the water account connected to the household. | Apply online |
| Proof of income or benefit enrollment | DWSD lists proof of household income or enrollment verification from FAP, MEAP, SNAP or eligible public benefit program. | See requirements |
| Leak/high-usage issue | If usage is above 4,500 gallons for three consecutive months and funding is available, conservation measures may help fix leaks or inefficient equipment. | Plumbing assistance |
EasyPay: $10 Down for Past-Due DWSD Balances
EasyPay is the practical path for customers who owe a past-due balance but do not qualify for Lifeline or need a payment arrangement quickly.
$10 down
DWSD says any customer with a past-due balance can enroll with a $10 down payment.
36 months
The remaining past-due balance is spread across 36 months, plus the current monthly bill.
No income requirement
EasyPay has no income restrictions and applies to all customer classes.
Shutoff protection
Customers are protected from shutoff and penalties as long as they remain current.
28-Day Medical Hold for Water Service Interruptions
DWSD offers a temporary hold when water service is medically necessary. This is not a bill waiver; it is time-sensitive protection that requires proper documentation.
Physician letter
The physician letter must be on official letterhead and include the account holder name, address, DWSD account number, and confirmation that water service is medically necessary.
Send within 10 days
DWSD says the letter must be sent within 10 days of the letter date by email or fax.
Call after sending
After sending the letter, the account holder must call DWSD at 313-267-8000 to say the letter was submitted.
Leak, High Usage or Plumbing Problem? Do This Before the Next Bill
A high DWSD bill is often not only a payment problem. If the usage is caused by a leak, the bill can grow again unless the plumbing issue is fixed.
Leak credit request
DWSD says customers can file a Leak Credit request on the Customer Self-Service Portal after repairs have been made.
Use customer portalLow-income plumbing repairs
If a low-income household has a leak or high usage, plumbing repair help may be available as funding allows.
Plumbing assistancePlumbing help phone
DWSD’s assistance page lists 313-386-9728 for plumbing repairs on low-income households.
Call 313-386-9728Track DWSD Water Usage Before a Surprise Bill
Portal usage tracking
DWSD says the portal lets customers see and track water usage, plus view current and past bills.
Track usagePrint bills
DWSD Lifeline outreach says the portal lets customers access, view and print bills.
Portal helpAlexa skill
With an online account, DWSD says the “Detroit Water” Alexa skill can provide balance, due date, bill and usage information.
Alexa detailsStart, Transfer or Turn Off DWSD Water Service
| Task | Official guidance | What to prepare | Official action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Establish new service | DWSD says the fastest option is the online Application for Water & Sewer Service. | Government ID, Social Security number, registered deed or property transfer affidavit for homeowners/landlords. | Turn on service |
| Mail paper application | Completed paper applications and required documents can be mailed to DWSD Customer Service. | Complete all fields and include required documentation. | See 735 Randolph address |
| Tenant move-out | Tenants can request move-out through the portal under Services and Move Out, or call DWSD. | Account number, move-out date, forwarding address, and account status. | Use portal |
| Owner/landlord turn-off | Authorized account holder can request closing meter reading and/or turn-off; balance may need payment depending on account status. | Proof of authorization, service address and balance status. | Call 313-267-8000 |
Landlord, Tenant and Real Estate Closing Questions
DWSD separates general billing, real-estate closing and landlord-tenant questions. Use the right path so the request does not sit in the wrong queue.
Landlord-Tenant Agreement
DWSD says a Landlord-Tenant Agreement transfers responsibility for the water and sewerage account from landlord to tenant.
Landlord/tenant pageReal-estate closing
For real-estate closing questions, use the DWSD real-estate contact path or call customer service.
Call DWSDTenant form mailing
DWSD tenant forms can be mailed to DWSD Customer Service – Tenant Form, 735 Randolph St., Detroit, MI 48226.
Tenant instructionsRates, Fees and Why DWSD Bills Include More Than Water
DWSD bill searches often include “sewerage,” “drainage,” “fees,” or “why is my bill high.” The official billing page points customers to FY2026 rate, fee and residential-charge explanation documents.
| Bill area | What it supports | Useful detail | Official action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | Clean water delivery, water mains, lead service line replacement and treatment system costs. | DWSD delivers water to more than 280,000 accounts. | DWSD overview |
| Sewerage | Combined sewer collection, sewer lining and sewage flow improvements. | DWSD has nearly 3,000 miles of sewer piping. | Rates documents |
| Drainage | Stormwater infrastructure, catch basin cleaning and flood reduction work. | DWSD says it has cleaned 30,000 storm drains and supports green stormwater infrastructure. | Billing/payment page |
| Fees and penalties | DWSD publishes annual schedules of rates, fees and penalties. | Use the current fiscal year document, not old blog numbers. | Fees documents |
Watch: How to Make and Schedule a DWSD Payment
DWSD links official portal-help videos, including how to register, make or schedule a payment, and view usage. Use the video for portal navigation, then confirm live balance directly inside the DWSD portal.
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DWSD Main Office Map and Appointment Planning
DWSD and GLWA are headquartered at the Water Board Building, 735 Randolph Street, Detroit, MI 48226. DWSD says customer service centers remain closed and in-person downtown assistance is by appointment only, so call before going.
Call before visiting
Use 313-267-8000 for customer service, payment help, emergencies and appointment questions.
Bring if scheduled
Bill, account number, ID, service address, payment proof, application documents, shutoff notice or assistance documents.
Use kiosk for payment
If you only need to pay, a DivDat kiosk or portal may be faster than appointment-based downtown help.
Official Detroit DWSD Links
Detroit Water and Sewerage Bill Pay FAQ
How do I pay my Detroit water bill online?
Use the DWSD Customer Self-Service Portal. The portal lets customers view bills, make or schedule payments, enroll in AutoPay, enter payment arrangements and track usage.
What is the DWSD customer service phone number?
Call 313-267-8000 for Detroit Water and Sewerage Department customer service, automated phone payment, billing questions, payment help, emergencies and account service.
Can I pay a DWSD bill with cash?
Yes. DWSD says customers can use more than 50 no-fee DivDat kiosks in and around Detroit, and kiosks accept cash, check, debit or credit card.
Where do I mail a Detroit water bill payment?
Make check or money order payable to Board of Water Commissioners and mail to Board of Water Commissioners, Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, PO Box 554899, Detroit, MI 48255-4899.
What can I do in the DWSD Customer Portal?
You can view current bills and billing history, make or schedule payments, enroll in AutoPay, enter a payment arrangement and see or track water usage.
What is DWSD EasyPay?
EasyPay is a DWSD payment arrangement for customers with past-due balances. DWSD says customers can enroll with $10 down, spread the remaining balance over 36 months, and receive shutoff protection while staying current.
What is the DWSD Lifeline H2O plan?
Lifeline H2O is Detroit’s income-based affordability plan. DWSD lists a $34 monthly bill for water, sewerage and drainage for eligible households using up to 4,500 gallons, plus shutoff protection while the monthly bill is paid.
Who should call 313-435-2055?
Customers applying for Lifeline H2O can go to lifeline.detroitmi.gov or call 313-435-2055.
Does DWSD offer help for leaks or high water usage?
DWSD lists leak credit requests through the Customer Self-Service Portal after repairs are made, plus plumbing repair assistance for low-income households when funding is available.
Are DWSD customer service centers open for walk-in payments?
DWSD says all three Customer Service Centers remain closed. In-person assistance at the downtown location is by appointment only; payment transactions can use the DWSD portal, DivDat kiosk network or 313-267-8000.