DWSD Portal, Kiosk & Bill Help
Use this guide when you need to pay a Detroit water bill, make a guest payment, use the DWSD customer portal, pay at a DivDat kiosk, call 313-267-8000, mail a check, start/stop service, handle a final notice, request EasyPay, apply for Lifeline, or submit a leak credit.
The page is built as a working guide: every step includes the official Detroit/DWSD link beside the action so users can solve the task without scrolling through filler.
Start Here: Pick Your Detroit Water Bill Problem
Use the DWSD Customer Self-Service Portal to sign in or start guest payment.
Open portalDWSD says customers can use 50+ no-fee DivDat kiosks with cash, check, debit or credit card.
Find a kioskDo not wait for shutoff. Call 313-267-8000 and ask about Lifeline or EasyPay.
Assistance programsSubmit leak adjustment through the portal within 28 days of the statement showing irregular usage.
Leak credit rulesPay a Detroit Water Bill: Practical Steps With Official Links
Open the official DWSD portal or portal-help page
Use the official DWSD Customer Portal route. The portal supports sign-in, guest payment, registration and start-service access.
Choose sign-in, guest payment, registration or start service
Use sign-in if you want full account tools. Use guest payment if you are paying for yourself or someone else but do not need account tools. Register if your name is on the bill. If your name is not on the bill, call DWSD Customer Service.
Use another payment route if needed
DWSD lists the portal, automated pay-by-phone, DivDat kiosks and mail. Kiosks are useful for cash customers and customers who want a no-fee kiosk network option.
Save proof before leaving the screen
Keep confirmation number, payment date, amount, method, account number, receipt, screenshot and bank/card or kiosk record. This is important if the payment was made close to a final-notice due date.
If past due or disputed, call before guessing
DWSD says final-notice customers should call immediately. Monthly-billed customers must dispute a bill no later than 28 days after the billing date.
Detroit Water Bill Payment Options and When To Use Each
| Payment route | Official detail | Best for | Official link / action |
|---|---|---|---|
| DWSD Customer Self-Service Portal | View current bill, billing history, make/schedule payment, enroll in auto-pay, enter payment arrangement and track water usage. | Customers who want full account control and payment history. | Open portal |
| Guest payment | The portal includes “Start Guest Payment.” | Paying a bill without signing into a registered account. | Start guest payment |
| DivDat kiosk | DWSD says customers can use more than 50 no-fee kiosks in and around Detroit with cash, check or debit/credit card. | Cash customers, customers without online banking, or users who prefer a physical payment receipt. | Find kiosk |
| Phone payment | DWSD lists automated pay-by-phone at 313-267-8000. | Users without portal access or who need phone guidance. | Call 313-267-8000 |
| Mail payment | Make check or money order payable to “Board of Water Commissioners.” Mail to DWSD PO Box 554899, Detroit, MI 48255-4899. | Non-urgent check or money order payment. | Mail instructions |
| Payment arrangement | DWSD portal supports entering a payment arrangement; EasyPay also supports past-due balances. | Past-due customers who need to keep service active while paying down balance. | EasyPay plan |
What You Can Do Inside the DWSD Customer Portal
View bill history
Use the portal to view current bill and billing history before paying or disputing a charge.
Open portalSchedule payment
DWSD says the portal lets customers make or schedule a payment and enroll in auto-pay.
Portal featuresTrack usage
Use portal water-usage tracking to spot spikes before assuming the bill is just “wrong.”
Track usageCustomer Centers, Phone Hours and Support Routes
Customer Service
313-267-8000
DWSD lists phone support Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., except observed holidays.
Centers closed
DWSD states all three Customer Service Centers remain closed. Payments can be handled through kiosk, portal or phone.
Customer Service pageService mail address
For paper service application materials, DWSD lists Customer Service, 735 Randolph Street, Detroit, MI 48226.
Start service pagePayment mail address
Board of Water Commissioners, DWSD, PO Box 554899, Detroit, MI 48255-4899.
Payment mail infoPast Due, Final Notice, Service Interruption and Dispute Rules
If you receive a final notice, call immediately. DWSD says customers with final notices should call 313-267-8000 to pay the past-due balance or make payment arrangements. If service is terminated, DWSD says cash, credit/debit card, cashier’s check and money order are accepted to restore service; personal check is not accepted for restoration.
| Situation | What DWSD says | Best next action | Official route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final notice | Call immediately to pay or make payment arrangements. | Do not wait until water is interrupted. Ask about EasyPay or Lifeline if needed. | Past-due policy |
| Service terminated | Personal check is not accepted to restore service. | Confirm the full restoration amount and acceptable method before paying. | Call DWSD |
| Billing dispute | Monthly-billed customers may dispute a bill no later than 28 days after the billing date. | Call 313-267-8000 before the 28-day window expires. | Bill dispute rule |
| Enrolled or applied for assistance | DWSD says residents enrolled in or applied for an assistance program will remain protected from water shutoff. | Keep proof of application/enrollment and continue checking account messages. | Assistance programs |
DWSD EasyPay: $10 Down for Past-Due Balances
$10 down
EasyPay lets any customer with a past-due balance enroll with only $10 down.
EasyPay details36 months
The remaining past-due balance is spread across 36 months, plus the current monthly bill.
EasyPay announcementProtection if current
DWSD says EasyPay is interest-free and protects from shutoff and penalties as long as the customer stays current.
Enroll through portalDWSD Lifeline Plan and Water Assistance
Fast answer: The Lifeline Plan is Detroit’s income-based water affordability program. It provides up to 4,500 gallons of water per month at a fixed monthly rate based on household income tier. Usage above 4,500 gallons is billed as additional usage.
| Lifeline tier | Monthly fixed amount | Who this may help | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| SNAP/FAP household | $18/month for water, sewer and drainage services under the usage allowance. | Households receiving SNAP/FAP benefits. | Review Lifeline |
| Low-income non-SNAP/FAP | $43/month under the usage allowance. | Low-income households not receiving SNAP/FAP. | Call 313-267-8000 |
| Moderate-income non-SNAP/FAP | $56/month under the usage allowance. | Moderate-income households under the plan rules. | Check assistance |
| High bill from plumbing leak | Separate from Lifeline: low-income plumbing repairs may be available. | Customers with unusually high bills or plumbing leak issues. | Call 313-386-9728 |
DWSD Leak Credit: What Counts, Deadline and Proof
Eligible leak area
The leak must be on the customer’s property beyond the stopbox, where water is metered and consumed.
Leak credit rulesProof required
DWSD lists proof such as photographs, repair bills or notarized affidavits showing the leak and completed repair.
Submit via portal28-day deadline
Submit no later than 28 days after the billing statement date first showing irregular water usage.
Application deadline| Leak credit rule | What it means for the customer | Action link |
|---|---|---|
| Credit applies to sewerage charge | DWSD explains the approved credit/adjustment is on sewerage charges for the eligible defined period. Water usage remains billed at the full metered rate. | Read credit scope |
| One application in rolling 12 months | You may submit one Leak Adjustment Credit Application within a rolling twelve-month period. | Portal application |
| Keep paying during review | Customer must continue making payments in an amount equal to the prior month’s balance while DWSD reviews eligibility. | Review rules |
| Delinquent/default accounts | If delinquent or in default of a payment plan, you are not eligible to apply until the account is resolved. | Call DWSD |
| Appeal window | If you disagree with DWSD’s determination, the account holder may submit an appeal within 14 days of the determination letter. | Appeal info |
Start, Transfer or Stop Detroit Water Service
Establish new service
Use the online application for fastest service or print and mail the paper application with required documentation.
Start service instructionsTransfer service
To transfer water service at a property into someone else’s name, DWSD says to call Customer Service at 313-267-8000.
Call 313-267-8000Temporary or final turn-off
Authorized account holders can request temporary interruption, closing meter reading or service discontinuation. Balance must be paid depending on account status.
Turn-off instructions| Customer type | Documents DWSD lists | Official route |
|---|---|---|
| Residential homeowner / landlord | Government ID, Social Security number and copy of registered deed or property transfer affidavit. Business name may require articles of incorporation and EIN. | Start service |
| Residential tenant | Government ID, Social Security number and official lease agreement showing responsibility for the water account at that address. | Tenant service |
| Paper application | Mail completed application with required documentation to DWSD Customer Service, 735 Randolph Street, Detroit, MI 48226. | Application instructions |
Landlord, Tenant and Rental Water Account Help
LTA meaning
DWSD says a Landlord-Tenant Agreement transfers responsibility for the DWSD water and sewerage account from landlord to tenant.
LTA informationTenant move-out
Tenants can request move-out through the portal under Services → Move Out, or call Customer Service for meter reading/account closure guidance.
Portal move-outOwner turn-off
Homeowners/landlords selling or vacating must be authorized account holders and may need closing meter reading or turn-off request.
Call 313-267-8000Understand Your DWSD Bill, Rates and Drainage Charge
Bill explanation
DWSD offers bill-reading resources, sample bill, sample past-due bill, rates, fees and residential explanation of charges.
Learn about your billCurrent rate docs
DWSD’s billing page lists water, sewerage and drainage rates for Detroit customers effective July 1, 2025, plus schedule of fees and penalties effective July 1, 2025.
Rates and feesDrainage charge help
DWSD has drainage adjustment, drainage credit and drainage guide resources, plus a credit calculator for stormwater practices.
Drainage guide/formsWater Main Breaks, Leaks and Emergency Responsibility
Neighborhood leak or main break
If you suspect a neighborhood leak or water main break, DWSD says to call 313-267-8000 or use the Improve Detroit mobile app.
Maintenance / emergenciesDWSD responsibility
DWSD is responsible for water mains and service lines up to the curbstop, which is the turn-on/off valve near or at the sidewalk.
Pipe responsibilityOwner responsibility
The property owner is responsible for the service line from the curbstop into the home/business and internal plumbing.
Permit infoLocal Detroit Tips That Actually Help
Use kiosks for cash, but keep the receipt
DivDat kiosks are a strong Detroit option because DWSD lists more than 50 no-fee kiosks in and around the city. Keep the kiosk receipt until the portal balance updates.
Do not wait on a final notice
DWSD’s own policy says to call immediately after a final notice. That is when EasyPay, Lifeline, payment arrangement and restoration questions matter most.
Leak credit is mostly sewer-side help
A leak credit does not erase all water use. DWSD explains water usage remains billed at the full metered rate; the adjustment is on sewerage charges if approved.
Vacant or rental property? Document everything
For Detroit rentals, sales, move-outs, Landlord-Tenant Agreements and final reads, save leases, deeds, closing documents, meter-reading dates and DWSD confirmation notes.
Detroit Water Bill Problem Fixes
| Problem | Best next action | Official link or number |
|---|---|---|
| Need to pay online now | Use the DWSD Customer Portal and choose sign-in or guest payment. | DWSD portal |
| Need to pay with cash | Use the DivDat kiosk finder and bring account details. Keep the receipt. | Find kiosk |
| Past-due balance | Call DWSD, ask about EasyPay, Lifeline and payment arrangement options. | 313-267-8000 |
| Bill dispute | Monthly-billed customers must dispute no later than 28 days after billing date. | Dispute policy |
| Leak caused high bill | Repair leak, gather proof and submit through portal within 28 days of the statement date showing irregular usage. | Leak credit |
| Need to start service | Use online application or mail paper application with required ID, SSN and property/lease documents. | Start service |
| Water main / neighborhood leak | Call DWSD or use Improve Detroit. Fast reporting helps stop major water loss. | 313-267-8000 |
DWSD Customer Service Map and Visit Planning
Use this map for orientation only. DWSD says Customer Service Centers remain closed, so verify whether your transaction can be handled by portal, phone, kiosk, mail or appointment before traveling.
Service application mailing address
DWSD Customer Service, 735 Randolph Street, Detroit, MI 48226.
Payment mailing address
Board of Water Commissioners, DWSD, PO Box 554899, Detroit, MI 48255-4899.
Best first contact
Call 313-267-8000 Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., except observed holidays.
Official Detroit Water Bill Links Used in This Guide
Detroit Water Bill Payment FAQs
Where do I pay a Detroit water bill online?
Use the DWSD Customer Self-Service Portal. You can sign in, start a guest payment, register or start service from the official portal.
Can I pay a Detroit water bill as a guest?
Yes. The DWSD portal includes a “Start Guest Payment” option. Use it when you need a one-time payment and do not need full account tools.
What can I do in the DWSD portal?
DWSD says customers can view current bill and billing history, make or schedule payment, enroll in auto-pay, enter payment arrangement and track water usage.
Can I pay a DWSD bill at a kiosk?
Yes. DWSD says customers can use more than 50 no-fee DivDat kiosks in and around Detroit with cash, check or debit/credit card.
What is the DWSD phone payment number?
Call 313-267-8000. DWSD lists this number for automated pay-by-phone, customer service and many account transactions.
Where do I mail a Detroit water bill payment?
Make check or money order payable to “Board of Water Commissioners” and mail 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 to pay the past-due balance or ask about payment arrangements and assistance programs.
What is DWSD EasyPay?
EasyPay is a DWSD plan for past-due balances. DWSD says any customer with a past-due balance can enroll with $10 down, no income requirements, no interest and the remaining balance spread across 36 months.
What is the DWSD Lifeline Plan?
The Lifeline Plan is Detroit’s income-based water affordability program. It offers fixed monthly bill amounts based on household income tier for up to 4,500 gallons of water per month, with extra usage billed separately.
Can I get a DWSD leak credit?
You may be eligible for a sewerage-charge leak adjustment if the leak was on the customer side beyond the stopbox, repaired with proof, submitted through the portal within 28 days of the bill showing irregular usage, and the account meets DWSD requirements.
How do I start Detroit water service?
Use DWSD’s Start/Transfer/Turn-Off Service page. Homeowners/landlords generally need ID, Social Security number and deed or transfer affidavit. Tenants need ID, Social Security number and an official lease showing responsibility for the water account.
Does this page collect Detroit water payments?
No. This is an independent informational guide. Use the official DWSD portal, DivDat kiosk network, DWSD phone line or official Detroit pages for live payment, balance, service, assistance, leak credit and account decisions.
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.