Detroit DWSD Water Bill Pay Guide for Portal, Kiosks, Past-Due Help and Service Issues
This guide is for Detroit Water and Sewerage Department customers who need to pay a water, sewerage or drainage bill, find a no-fee kiosk, enroll in AutoPay, schedule a payment, enter EasyPay, apply for Lifeline H2O, establish service, dispute a bill or report a water/sewer emergency.
Every major step includes the official DWSD link, phone number, mailing address or action path beside it, so users can finish the task without sorting through generic bill-pay advice.
Fast answer: Detroit water bills can be paid through the DWSD Customer Self-Service Portal, by calling 313-267-8000, at more than 50 no-fee DivDat kiosks, or by mailing a check or money order payable to the Board of Water Commissioners at Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, PO Box 554899, Detroit, MI 48255-4899.
Past-due warning: if you receive a final notice, call DWSD at 313-267-8000 immediately. DWSD says service-interruption procedures begin if payment is not received by the due date on the Final Notice. If service is terminated, a personal check is not accepted to restore service.
Detroit Water Bill Quick Facts
Detroit Water Bill Action Board: Click the Right Official Link
Start with the card that matches your issue. Each card includes the official DWSD action path.
I need to pay my Detroit water bill online
Use the DWSD Customer Self-Service Portal to view the current bill, make or schedule a payment, enroll in AutoPay and track usage.
Open DWSD portalI want to pay with cash or at a kiosk
Use the DivDat kiosk network. DWSD says there are more than 50 no-fee kiosks in and around Detroit.
Find kioskI received a final notice or cannot pay
Call DWSD immediately. Ask about EasyPay, Lifeline H2O, assistance programs and the amount needed to avoid service interruption.
Call 313-267-8000I need a past-due payment plan
EasyPay lets any customer with a past-due balance enroll with $10 down and spread the remaining balance over 36 months.
EasyPay planI need income-based affordability help
Lifeline H2O offers a fixed $34 monthly bill for eligible Detroit households, with shutoff protection while active and paid.
Apply Lifeline H2OI have a water main break, sewer backup or emergency
Call 313-267-8000 or use Improve Detroit. Do not wait for billing customer service if water or sewage is actively backing up or running.
Emergency infoHow to Pay a Detroit Water Bill Online Through the DWSD Portal
Open the official DWSD portal
Start from the Customer Self-Service Portal, not a search ad. The portal is used for payment, billing history, arrangements and usage tracking.
Go to portalRegister only if your name is on the bill
DWSD says you can register online if your name is on the bill. If it is not, call Customer Service first.
Portal instructionsReview balance and usage before paying
Use the bill history and water-usage tracking tools. A spike can indicate a leak, estimated read, irrigation, plumbing issue or drainage-charge confusion.
Learn your billSave proof after paying
Keep the confirmation number, amount, date, account number and screenshot, especially if you had a final notice or arrangement deadline.
Billing helpDetroit Water Bill Payment Options: Portal, Kiosk, Phone and Mail
| Payment method | Official detail | Best for | Official link / action |
|---|---|---|---|
| DWSD portal | Pay, schedule payment, enroll AutoPay, enter arrangement, see bill history and track usage. | Most customers, especially when you need proof and account tools. | Open portal |
| DivDat kiosk | More than 50 no-fee kiosks in and around Detroit; cash, check or debit/credit card accepted. | Cash users, customers needing nearby physical payment, EasyPay deposit users. | Find kiosk |
| Phone payment | Automated pay-by-phone system through 313-267-8000. | Customers who prefer phone or need quick access without portal login. | Call 313-267-8000 |
| Make check or money order payable to Board of Water Commissioners. | Non-urgent payments only. | Mail to DWSD PO Box 554899, Detroit, MI 48255-4899. | |
| Customer Service phone | 313-267-8000, Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm, except observed holidays. | Final notice, service issue, payment arrangement, account ownership or dispute. | Customer Service page |
AutoPay, Scheduled Payments and Payment Arrangements
AutoPay
Use the DWSD portal to enroll in AutoPay so future bills can be paid automatically.
Manage AutoPaySchedule a payment
The portal supports scheduled payments. Use this when you want to pay before the due date but not today.
Portal featuresPayment arrangement
DWSD says the portal can be used to enter a payment arrangement. EasyPay is the key past-due plan to check.
Enter arrangementPast-Due Detroit Water Bill or Final Notice: What to Do Today
Do not wait for shutoff
DWSD says to call immediately if you receive a final notice and need to pay or make payment arrangements.
Past-due policyAsk exactly what is due today
Ask whether full past-due balance, EasyPay down payment, current bill, fees or restoration amount is needed.
Call DWSDUse accepted restoration payment methods
If service is terminated, DWSD says cash, credit/debit card, cashier’s check and money order are accepted to restore service; personal checks are not.
Restoration policyAsk about assistance before paying blindly
Check EasyPay, Lifeline H2O, plumbing-repair help, veterans hardship resources and other assistance partners.
Assistance programsFinal-notice call script
DWSD EasyPay: $10 Down for Past-Due Balances
36-month spread
The remaining past-due balance is spread across 36 months, plus current monthly water, sewerage and drainage charges.
How it worksProtection if current
DWSD says customers stay protected from shutoff and penalties as long as they remain current.
Enroll through portalLifeline H2O and DWSD Water Assistance Programs
| Program / help path | What it does | Best next step | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifeline H2O | Fixed $34 monthly bill for eligible households, up to 4,500 gallons before normal rates apply. | Apply online or call the Lifeline number. | Apply Lifeline |
| Lifeline phone | The official Lifeline page lists 313-435-2055. | Call if you need application help. | Call 313-435-2055 |
| Low-income plumbing repairs | DWSD assistance page points customers with leaks or unusually high bills to plumbing repair help. | Call 313-386-9728 if eligible. | Call 313-386-9728 |
| Wayne County veterans hardship | Veterans may seek financial assistance through Wayne County hardship resources. | Call 313-224-5045 or review the county path. | Assistance page |
| Other partners | DWSD lists Hydrate Detroit, Human Utility, THAW and United Way 2-1-1 as additional help paths. | Use these when DWSD account help alone is not enough. | Partner list |
28-Day Medical Hold for Water Service Interruptions
Get a physician letter
The letter must be on physician letterhead and include account holder name, address, DWSD account number and confirmation of medical necessity for water service. Do not disclose the medical condition.
Medical hold infoSend within 10 days
DWSD says the letter must be sent within 10 days of the date on the letter to DWSD by the listed email or fax.
See submission routeCall DWSD after sending
After sending the letter, call 313-267-8000 to advise DWSD that the letter has been submitted.
Call 313-267-8000Use the hold to solve the balance
The hold is temporary. DWSD says customers should pay the past-due balance or enroll in EasyPay to avoid interruption after the hold period.
Use EasyPayTurn On, Transfer or Turn Off Detroit Water Service
| Task | What DWSD requires | Practical tip | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Establish new service | Complete the online Application for Water & Sewer Service or mail paper application and documentation. | Use online application for fastest service. | Turn on service |
| Homeowner / landlord | Government-issued ID, Social Security number, registered deed or property transfer affidavit. | Prepare documents before starting the form. | Required documents |
| Business name | Articles of incorporation and Employer Identification Number may be required. | Do not submit a personal-only packet for a business-name account. | Business requirements |
| Mail paper application | DWSD Customer Service, 735 Randolph Street, Detroit, MI 48226. | Use trackable mail if deadlines matter. | Application instructions |
Dispute a Detroit Water Bill Before the Deadline
28-day dispute window
DWSD says a monthly-billed customer may dispute a bill no later than 28 days after the billing date.
Bill dispute policyPrepare evidence
Have bill date, usage history, meter issue, leak repair proof, payment proof and prior account notes ready.
Read your billDetroit Water, Sewerage and Drainage Bill Lines: What to Check
| Bill line / fee | Official 2025–2026 detail | Why it matters | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water usage | DWSD rate documents explain water rates by consumption and meter factors. | Usage spikes can point to leaks, plumbing, seasonal use or meter issues. | Bill resources |
| Sewerage | DWSD 2025–2026 rates list Detroit disposal and sewerage service charges. | Sewerage can rise with water use, so a leak can affect more than the water line. | Rates document |
| Drainage charge | Drainage is tied to impervious acreage and may be reduced through verified parcel information or green infrastructure credits. | Do not confuse drainage charge with household water usage. | Drainage guide |
| Late fee | DWSD schedule lists a 5% late fee assessed for each bill on previous ending balance. | Pay or arrange early to avoid the balance growing. | Fee schedule |
| NSF | DWSD schedule lists NSF at $40. | Verify bank account details before eCheck or AutoPay. | Fees & penalties |
High Detroit Water Bill? Check Usage, Leaks and Drainage First
Use the portal usage tracker
The portal lets customers see and track water usage. Check if the spike started on a specific date or billing period.
Track usageCheck private plumbing
Property owners are responsible for the water service line from the curbstop into the property and internal plumbing.
Responsibility guideReview drainage
Drainage charges may be reduced when parcel information or stormwater practices qualify for a credit.
Drainage creditsHigh-bill call script
Drainage Charge Adjustment and Credits
Verify parcel information
DWSD says customers may reduce drainage charges by verifying parcel information when appropriate.
Drainage formsGreen infrastructure credit
Stormwater practices may qualify for monthly credit through the drainage charge credit process.
Credit applicationCredit calculator
The drainage page includes a credit calculator to estimate credits for stormwater management practices.
Open drainage guideWater Main Break, Sewer Backup or Emergency: Call the Right Way
| Problem | What DWSD says | What to do | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water main break or suspected neighborhood leak | Cold winters, spring thaws and extreme heat can lead to breaks; fast detection is important. | Call 313-267-8000 or use Improve Detroit. Give nearest address, cross street and water flow details. | Water emergency |
| Sewer backup or overflow | DWSD says to contact them upon discovery of an overflow or sewer backup. | Call 313-267-8000 and document damage safely. | Sewer backup |
| Damage claim after sewer backup | State law requires a written claim with DWSD within 45 days of discovery. | Do not wait; start the written claim process quickly. | Claim timing |
| Private service line or internal plumbing | Owner is responsible from curbstop to inside the home/business and internal plumbing. | Hire a licensed plumber and pull proper city permit if required. | Permit policy |
DWSD Downtown Address, Mail Address and Visit Note
DWSD lists Customer Service transactions by phone, portal and kiosks, and says customer service centers remain closed. Do not walk in expecting an open service center; call 313-267-8000 first if you believe an appointment or document submission is needed.
DWSD document address
735 Randolph Street, Detroit, MI 48226 is used for mailed service applications and DWSD downtown location reference.
Payment mailing address
Board of Water Commissioners, Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, PO Box 554899, Detroit, MI 48255-4899.
Better first step
Use the portal, DivDat kiosk, phone line or assistance links first. Call before visiting.
Official Detroit Water Bill Links
Detroit Water Bill FAQ
How do I pay my Detroit water bill online?
Use the DWSD Customer Self-Service Portal. The portal lets you view bills, make or schedule a payment, enroll in AutoPay, enter a payment arrangement and track water usage.
What is the Detroit water bill phone number?
Call DWSD Customer Service and the emergency line at 313-267-8000. The same number is used for automated pay-by-phone service and many account questions.
Can I pay a Detroit water bill with cash?
Yes. DWSD points customers to more than 50 no-fee DivDat kiosks in and around Detroit where cash, check or debit/credit card payment can be made.
Where do I mail a Detroit water bill payment?
Make the check or money order payable to the Board of Water Commissioners and mail it to Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, PO Box 554899, Detroit, MI 48255-4899.
What should I do if I receive a DWSD final notice?
Call DWSD immediately at 313-267-8000. Ask what amount is needed, whether service-interruption procedures have started, and whether EasyPay or assistance programs are available.
What is the DWSD EasyPay Plan?
EasyPay lets any DWSD customer with a past-due balance enroll with $10 down and spread the remaining balance across 36 months while also paying current monthly charges.
What is Lifeline H2O for Detroit water bills?
Lifeline H2O is Detroit’s income-based water affordability program. Eligible households may receive a fixed $34 monthly bill for water, sewerage and drainage, with usage up to 4,500 gallons before normal rates apply.
How long do I have to dispute a DWSD bill?
A monthly-billed DWSD customer may dispute a bill no later than 28 days after the billing date. To dispute the bill, call 313-267-8000.
Who is responsible for private water and sewer lines in Detroit?
DWSD is responsible for public mains and service lines up to the curbstop. Property owners are responsible from the curbstop into the home or business and for internal plumbing. Private sewer line responsibility generally runs from the structure to the connection at the city sewer collection pipe.
Who do I call for a Detroit water main break or sewer backup?
Call DWSD at 313-267-8000 or use Improve Detroit. If a sewer backup causes damage, state law requires a written claim with DWSD within 45 days of discovery.