Where to pay your Detroit Water and Sewerage Department bill
The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) gives you four main ways to pay: online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center. The fastest and most convenient is online payment through detroitmi.gov/dwsd, where you can pay immediately with a bank account or debit card without leaving home.
If you prefer to pay by phone, call the DWSD customer service line at 313-679-7515. A representative can process your payment over the phone using a debit card or bank account. Payment by phone typically takes effect within one business day.
You can also mail a check or money order to the address printed on your bill, though mail payment takes longer — usually 7 to 10 business days to reach DWSD and post to your account. If you want to pay in person, visit a DWSD payment center during business hours. The main office is located at 735 Randolph Street, Detroit, MI 48226, and they accept cash, check, or card payments.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through detroitmi.gov/dwsd is the fastest option and posts to your account the same day.
- Phone payments at 313-679-7515 take one business day to process and work with debit cards or bank accounts.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days, so send them early if your due date is approaching.
- In-person payment at 735 Randolph Street accepts cash, check, or card and is immediate.
- Your account number appears on your bill and is required for all payment methods except in-person visits.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees
Automatic payment removes the risk of missing a due date. Through the DWSD website, you can set up autopay to withdraw money from your bank account on a date you choose — typically the due date or a few days before. Once you enroll, the payment happens without you having to remember each month.
To set up autopay, log into your account on detroitmi.gov/dwsd, go to the billing section, and select the autopay option. You will need your bank routing number and account number. DWSD does not charge a fee for autopay enrollment, and you can change or cancel it anytime through your online account.
If you do not have online access or prefer not to use it, call 313-679-7515 and ask a representative to set up autopay for you over the phone. They will need the same bank information and can usually activate it within one business day.
Understanding your bill and what you are paying for
Your Detroit water and sewerage bill has two main charges: the water charge and the sewerage charge. The water charge covers the cost of treating and delivering clean water to your home. The sewerage charge covers the cost of collecting and treating wastewater — it is based on the amount of water you use, since water that goes into your home is assumed to go back out through the sewer system.
Your bill also shows your meter reading, which measures how many gallons of water you used during the billing period. DWSD reads meters monthly, and your usage is multiplied by the rate per gallon to calculate your water charge. The sewerage charge uses the same usage figure.
Look for any additional charges on your bill, such as stormwater fees or late payment penalties. If you see a charge you do not recognize, contact DWSD customer service before paying to ask what it covers. Your bill will also show the due date — typically 20 days from the bill date — and any balance you carried over from the previous month.
What to do if you cannot pay your full bill on time
If you are facing a hardship and cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact DWSD before your account falls behind. Call 313-679-7515 and explain your situation to a representative. DWSD has a payment plan program that allows you to spread your balance over several months instead of paying it all at once.
Payment plans typically require you to pay a portion of your current bill each month plus a portion of what you owe from previous months. The exact terms depend on how much you owe and your circumstances. DWSD will work with you to set a payment amount you can manage, though they may require a down payment to start the plan.
Detroit also has utility assistance programs run by the city and nonprofit organizations that may help pay part or all of your water bill if you meet income requirements. The most direct route is to contact the Detroit Department of Human Services at 313-628-2451 to ask about current assistance programs. You can also call 211 (a free helpline) to be referred to local programs in your area.
Avoiding late fees and service disconnection
Late fees add up quickly on water bills. If you do not pay by the due date, DWSD charges a late fee on top of your balance. If your account stays unpaid for 60 days, DWSD may issue a notice of intent to shut off service. If you do not pay or set up a payment plan within the timeframe given in that notice, your water service can be disconnected.
Once service is shut off, you must pay the full outstanding balance plus a reconnection fee to restore water to your home. Reconnection can take several days, so preventing disconnection is far less costly than paying to restore service. If you receive a shut-off notice, call DWSD immediately — even if you cannot pay the full amount, setting up a payment plan will stop the disconnection process.
If your service has already been shut off, you can restore it by paying the full balance owed plus the reconnection fee. Call 313-679-7515 to confirm the exact amount due and arrange payment. After you pay, DWSD typically reconnects service within one to two business days.
Reading your meter and checking for leaks
Your water meter measures every gallon that enters your home. You can read your own meter to check your usage between billing cycles or to spot a leak early. Your meter is usually located in the basement, near the main water line, or outside your home in a meter box.
The meter displays a series of numbers showing total gallons used. Write down the reading, then check it again a few days later without using any water (turn off all faucets, toilets, and appliances). If the number has changed, you have a leak. Even a small leak can waste hundreds of gallons per month and inflate your bill.
If you suspect a leak, contact a plumber to locate and repair it. You can also call DWSD at 313-679-7515 to report a suspected leak on the city's side of the meter — they will investigate at no cost to you. Fixing leaks quickly keeps your bill down and prevents water damage to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Detroit water bill with a credit card?
Online and phone payments accept debit cards and bank accounts, but not credit cards. In-person payment at the DWSD office accepts debit cards. If you want to use a credit card, you would need to use a third-party payment service, though DWSD does not officially endorse these and may charge additional fees.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my account?
Online payments typically post the same day if you pay before 5 p.m. on a business day. Payments made after hours or on weekends post the next business day. You will receive a confirmation number immediately after payment, which you can use to track the transaction.
What happens if I pay too much?
If you overpay, the extra amount becomes a credit on your account and will be applied to your next bill. You can also request a refund by calling 313-679-7515, though processing a refund check may take several weeks.
Is there a discount for seniors or low-income households?
DWSD does not offer a rate discount, but the city runs assistance programs for households that meet income limits. Contact the Detroit Department of Human Services at 313-628-2451 or call 211 to learn about programs that may help pay your bill.
Can I dispute a charge on my water bill?
Yes. If you believe a charge is incorrect, call 313-679-7515 and explain the issue. DWSD will review your account and meter reading. If they find an error, they will adjust your bill. If you suspect a leak caused unusually high usage, ask about their leak adjustment policy — some utilities offer one-time adjustments for confirmed leaks.