Detroit DWSD Bill Pay Help
Need to pay a Detroit water, sewerage or drainage bill? Start with the official DWSD Customer Portal, then choose the right path: login, guest payment, scheduled payment, AutoPay, payment arrangement, kiosk, phone, mail, Lifeline Plan, EasyPay, high-bill dispute or new service.
This is built as a practical action guide: official links are placed beside the steps where users actually need them.
Start Here: Pick Your DWSD Situation
Use the official Customer Portal or guest payment. You can make or schedule a payment online.
Open DWSD portal pageDWSD says more than 50 no-fee kiosks in and around Detroit accept cash, check, debit or credit card.
Find a DivDat kioskCall DWSD immediately. EasyPay may allow $10 down and 36-month payoff with no interest or fees.
Get water assistanceHomeowners, landlords and tenants have different document requirements before the account can be established.
Start/transfer servicePay Your Detroit Water Bill: Practical Steps With Official Links
Open the official DWSD portal page
Use DWSD’s Customer Portal page to pay, see your current bill, check billing history, schedule a payment, enroll in AutoPay, enter a payment arrangement or track water usage.
Choose login or guest payment
Register/login if your name is on the bill and you need full account tools. Use guest payment only when you know the account number and service address are correct.
If you cannot pay online, use phone, kiosk or mail
DWSD lists automated pay-by-phone at 313-267-8000, no-fee DivDat kiosks, and mail payment by check or money order payable to the Board of Water Commissioners.
If you are behind, do not wait
If you receive a final notice or need help, call DWSD at 313-267-8000. Assistance programs, EasyPay and Lifeline can protect eligible customers.
Save proof and check account status
Keep receipt, account number, confirmation, payment date, amount and payment method. For urgent shutoff or restoration issues, call DWSD instead of relying only on a receipt.
DWSD Payment Methods and Best Use
| Method | Official detail | Best for | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Portal | View current bill, billing history, make or schedule a payment, AutoPay, payment arrangement and water usage. | Most customers who want full account tools. | Portal page |
| Guest payment | Guest payment is available through the City of Detroit Water & Sewerage Department Customer Self-Service Portal. | One-time payment when the account number is known. | Guest pay |
| DivDat kiosk | DWSD says more than 50 no-fee kiosks in and around Detroit accept cash, check, debit or credit card. | Cash payment, nearby payment, or users without easy online access. | Kiosk finder |
| Pay by phone | Use DWSD’s automated pay-by-phone system at 313-267-8000. | Phone payment or account status questions. | Payment options |
| Mail payment | Make check or money order payable to “Board of Water Commissioners.” Mail to DWSD PO Box 554899, Detroit, MI 48255-4899. | Customers not close to a deadline. | Mailing details |
| In-person assistance | DWSD says all three Customer Service Centers remain closed; downtown in-person assistance is by appointment only. | Special account issues when DWSD directs you to an appointment. | Billing and payments |
What the DWSD Customer Portal Can Do
Bill and history
View your current bill and billing history before making a payment or disputing a charge.
View portal toolsSchedule payment
Make or schedule a payment from the portal if you need to time payment before the due date.
Schedule paymentAutoPay
Enroll in AutoPay only after confirming the current balance, due date and payment source.
Enroll in AutoPayPayment arrangement
The portal can be used to enter a payment arrangement such as EasyPay when available for your account.
Arrangement helpWater usage
Track water usage so high bills can be checked against usage patterns before you assume it is only a rate issue.
Track usageAlexa skill
DWSD says online account users can use the “Detroit Water” Alexa skill for bills, balance, due date and usage comparison.
Alexa detailsPhone, Mail and Kiosk Details
Customer Service / emergencies
313-267-8000. DWSD lists this for customer service, payment support, water and sewer emergencies.
DWSD department pageMail payment
Board of Water Commissioners, Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, PO Box 554899, Detroit, MI 48255-4899.
Verify mail instructionsNo-fee kiosks
Use DivDat kiosks for cash, check, debit or credit card payment. Bring your account details before going.
Find nearby kioskPast-Due Bill, Final Notice or Shutoff Risk
Do not wait: DWSD says if you receive a final notice, call 313-267-8000 immediately to pay the past-due balance or make payment arrangements. If service is interrupted, personal checks are not accepted to restore water service.
1. Call first
Ask what amount is required, whether a payment arrangement is possible, and whether the account is protected from shutoff.
2. Use accepted payment
For restoration after shutoff, DWSD policy says cash, credit/debit card, cashier’s check and money order are accepted; personal check is not.
3. Keep proof
Save payment proof, call time, representative name if available, arrangement details and your current balance after posting.
Water Assistance: Lifeline, EasyPay and Plumbing Repairs
Lifeline Plan
Detroit’s Lifeline Plan lists a fixed $34 monthly bill for water, sewerage and drainage, up to 4,500 gallons per household per month before normal rates.
Lifeline detailsEasyPay Plan
EasyPay is listed as $10 down, past-due balance spread over 36 months, no interest or fees, and shutoff protection if payments stay current.
EasyPay detailsPlumbing repairs
For low-income households affected by leaks or unusually high bills, DWSD assistance pages list plumbing repair help at 313-386-9728.
Repair help28-Day Medical Hold for Water Service Interruption
DWSD allows a temporary 28-day medical hold once within a 12-month period for account holders who submit proper physician documentation. The medical condition itself should not be disclosed in the letter.
Ask the physician for the right letter
The letter must be on official physician letterhead and include account holder name, address, DWSD account number and statement confirming medical necessity for water service.
Submit within 10 days of the letter date
DWSD lists submission by email to [email protected] or fax to 313-842-6443.
Call after sending
After submission, call 313-267-8000 to advise DWSD that the medical letter was submitted.
High DWSD Bill, Dispute or Water Usage Question
Check usage first
Use the portal to see and track water usage. A spike can point to a leak, toilet, outdoor use or meter issue.
Track usageDispute deadline
DWSD policy says a monthly-billed customer may dispute a bill no later than 28 days after the billing date.
Dispute policy| What you see | Likely issue | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Bill suddenly jumped | Possible leak, running toilet, outdoor water, estimated/actual read change or usage spike. | Check portal usage and call DWSD before the 28-day dispute window expires. |
| High drainage charge | Impervious surface area, parcel data or adjustment eligibility. | Use the drainage parcel viewer and adjustment application. |
| Past-due plus high bill | Balance may need arrangement while dispute is reviewed. | Call 313-267-8000 and ask about EasyPay or assistance options. |
| Leak in low-income household | Repair help may be available. | Call the plumbing repair assistance number listed by DWSD: 313-386-9728. |
Detroit Drainage Charge: What To Check
Impervious surface
DWSD uses Assessor data and flyover images to determine hard surface area on each parcel.
Drainage charge pageParcel viewer
Use the parcel viewer and enter your street address with ZIP code to check recorded hard surface area.
Open drainage viewerAdjustment
If the hard surface data is wrong, use the Drainage Charge Adjustment Application or call 313-267-8000.
Adjustment helpStart, Transfer, Temporarily Turn Off or Stop Service
| Task | What DWSD says | Official link |
|---|---|---|
| Establish new service | Fastest method is the online Application for Water & Sewer Service; paper applications can be mailed with required documents. | Start service |
| Homeowner / landlord documents | Government ID, Social Security number, registered deed or property transfer affidavit; business names need incorporation/EIN documents. | Document list |
| Tenant documents | Government ID, Social Security number and official lease stating you are responsible for the water account. | Tenant requirements |
| Transfer service | To transfer water service at your property into someone else’s name, call DWSD Customer Service at 313-267-8000. | Transfer instructions |
| Temporary turn-off | Authorized account holders may request temporary water turn-off for plumbing repair or extended vacation; call 313-267-8000. | Temporary turn-off |
| Discontinue service | Selling or vacating may require final/closing meter read and balance payment; authorized account holder must request service closure. | Move-out / closure |
Landlord and Tenant DWSD Accounts
Key rule: A Landlord-Tenant Agreement transfers responsibility for the DWSD water and sewerage account from the landlord to the tenant. Tenants moving out can request through the portal under Services > Move Out or call DWSD, but only the owner can request turn-off.
For renters
Do not assume you can close or transfer the account without landlord/owner involvement. Keep lease language, account proof and final meter-reading request details.
For landlords
Before a tenant leaves, check whether balance, agreement, meter reading and account closure steps are complete so unpaid balances do not become property problems.
Watch: How To Use a DWSD DivDat Kiosk
DWSD’s video shows how kiosk payment works. Use it for visual guidance only; payment options, kiosk locations and account status should still be verified on official DWSD/DivDat pages.
DWSD Map and Visit Planning
Use this map for the DWSD downtown/customer service address referenced in official service documents. Do not show up expecting walk-in service unless DWSD has instructed you to attend an appointment.
DWSD customer service address
735 Randolph Street, Detroit, MI 48226 is used for paper service applications and customer service documents.
Before going
DWSD says customer service centers remain closed and downtown assistance is by appointment only.
Better first step
Use the portal, call 313-267-8000, or use a DivDat kiosk for payment transactions.
Official Detroit DWSD Links Used in This Guide
Detroit Water and Sewer Bill Pay FAQs
Where do I pay my Detroit water bill online?
Use DWSD’s official Customer Portal page. You can view bills, make or schedule payments, enroll in AutoPay, enter arrangements and track usage.
Can I pay DWSD as a guest?
Yes. DWSD has a guest payment page. Use it only when you have the correct account number and service address.
What is the DWSD customer service phone number?
Call 313-267-8000 for customer service, automated pay-by-phone, payment arrangements, service questions and water/sewer emergencies.
Can I pay a DWSD bill at a kiosk?
Yes. DWSD says more than 50 no-fee DivDat kiosks in and around Detroit accept cash, check, debit and credit card payments. Use the official kiosk finder before going.
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 should I do if I receive a DWSD final notice?
Call DWSD immediately at 313-267-8000 to pay the past-due balance or make payment arrangements. Do not wait until service has been interrupted.
What is DWSD EasyPay?
EasyPay is a payment plan listed by DWSD with $10 down, past-due balance spread over 36 months, no interest or fees, and shutoff protection if current payments are maintained.
What is the DWSD Lifeline Plan?
The Lifeline Plan lists a fixed $34 monthly bill for water, sewerage and drainage, up to 4,500 gallons per household per month before normal rates, and shutoff protection while on the plan and paying monthly.
How long do I have to dispute a DWSD bill?
DWSD customer policy says a monthly-billed customer may dispute a bill no later than 28 days after the billing date. Call 313-267-8000 to dispute.
Does this page collect Detroit water bill payments?
No. This is an informational guide. Use official DWSD, City of Detroit, Customer Portal and DivDat links for live payment, account balance, arrangements, rates, service status and assistance.
Pay Your Water Bill Safely, Fix High Bills, Avoid Shutoff, Start Service and Find Official Utility Links
Use this free USA water bill assistant before paying online, calling utility billing, setting up AutoPay, checking a high bill, requesting leak help, starting or stopping service, handling a past due account, or searching for the official city utility portal.
What water bill problem do you need to solve?
Choose your situation. The tool will suggest the safest route, what to prepare, and which official page or office to check first.
Open the official city, county, water authority or utility website first. Do not enter account details into a random sponsored payment page.
If the bill is unusually high, compare usage, billing days, meter read type, toilet leaks, irrigation, late fees and leak adjustment rules before paying blindly.
Safe Water Bill Payment Route
Choose how you want to pay. This helps users avoid wrong portals, posting delays and urgent shutoff mistakes.
AutoPay / Bank Draft Setup Helper
Use this before enrolling in recurring payments so the first draft, current balance and payment date do not surprise you.
High Water Bill Review
Compare your normal bill and usage with the current bill. This gives a practical path before requesting a high bill review.
Leak Adjustment Proof Checklist
Use this before asking for a leak adjustment, high bill review, sewer adjustment or payment plan.
Past Due, Shutoff Notice and Reconnect Helper
Use this if your bill is late, you received a shutoff notice, service is off, or you need a payment plan.
Start, Stop or Transfer Water Service
Use this before moving, closing an account, starting service, transferring service or requesting a final bill.
Water Bill Cost Estimate
Estimate a simple monthly bill from base charge, water usage, sewer, stormwater, trash, service fees and late charges. Official tiered rates may be different.
Bill Dispute and Meter Reading Checklist
Use this before calling billing support about a meter reading, duplicate payment, wrong address, missing payment, estimated bill, or incorrect charge.
Official Water Bill Portal and Phone Finder
Enter city/utility and state to create safe searches for official water bill pay, phone payment, guest pay, AutoPay, start service, leak adjustment, reconnect, assistance and this site’s guide.
Official portal safety
- Use official city, county, authority or utility websites first.
- Check service address before paying.
- Save confirmation number and screenshot.
- Call the utility for shutoff or reconnect situations.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first payment section or before FAQs. It turns every water bill article into a practical help page, not only a list of links.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Always confirm payment portals, fees, shutoff rules, assistance programs, account balance and reconnection steps with the official utility.