Where to pay your Detroit Water Department bill
The Detroit Water Department accepts payments through four main channels: online at detroitmi.gov/dwsd, by phone at 313-679-7515, by mail, or in person at payment centers. Online and phone payments post the same day if made before 5 p.m. on a business day. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the department, so send them early if your due date is near.
In-person payment centers are located at the Detroit Water Department's main office at 735 Randolph Street, Detroit, MI 48226, and at select city facilities. You can pay by check, money order, or debit card at these locations. Credit card payments are available online and by phone but carry a processing fee — the department charges a percentage of your payment amount, which varies by processor.
If you do not have internet access or prefer not to pay online, the phone line is the fastest alternative to in-person payment. Have your account number ready, which appears on your bill.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment at detroitmi.gov/dwsd and phone payment at 313-679-7515 both post the same day if completed before 5 p.m. on a business day.
- Credit card payments online or by phone include a processing fee; debit cards and checks do not.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days, so send them at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee.
- In-person payment at 735 Randolph Street accepts checks, money orders, and debit cards during business hours.
- Your account number on your bill is required for all payment methods except in-person payment with a printed bill.
Understanding your Detroit Water Department bill
Your bill shows your account number, service address, billing period, and the amount due by a specific date. The charges include the cost of water service, wastewater service, and any stormwater fees. Detroit Water Department bills are typically issued monthly, though the exact date depends on your meter reading schedule.
The bill also lists your current meter reading and the previous month's reading. The difference between these two numbers is the volume of water you used, measured in cubic feet. One cubic foot equals approximately 7.5 gallons. If your usage seems unusually high, check for leaks in toilets, pipes, or outdoor faucets — these account for most sudden increases.
Late fees are added if payment is not received by the due date printed on your bill. The department may also suspend service for accounts that remain unpaid for 60 days or more. If you receive a notice of disconnection, contact the department immediately to discuss payment arrangements.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payment through the Detroit Water Department website removes the risk of missing a due date. You can set up recurring payments to deduct from your bank account on a date you choose. Log into your account at detroitmi.gov/dwsd, select the autopay option, and provide your bank routing and account numbers.
Automatic payments from a bank account do not carry a processing fee. You can change or cancel autopay at any time through your online account. If you need to pause payments temporarily — for example, while disputing a charge — you can do so without penalty.
If you do not have online access, call 313-679-7515 to ask about setting up autopay by phone. A representative can walk you through the process and answer questions about your account.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
Contact the Detroit Water Department before your due date if you know you cannot pay the full amount. The department offers payment plans for customers facing hardship. Call 313-679-7515 and ask to speak with someone about a payment arrangement. Have your account number and a realistic timeline for payment ready.
Payment plans typically allow you to split your bill into smaller amounts over several weeks or months. The department may require a down payment and will set specific due dates for each installment. Missing an installment payment can result in the plan being cancelled and the full balance becoming due immediately.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, also ask the department representative about the Lifeline program, which provides a discount on water bills for low-income households. may be able to access is based on household income and family size. The representative can tell you whether you may be may be able to access and what documents you need to provide.
Disputing a charge on your bill
If you believe your bill is incorrect, contact the Detroit Water Department in writing or by phone within 30 days of receiving the bill. Call 313-679-7515 and explain the issue — for example, if your usage jumped unexpectedly or if you were charged for a service you did not request. A representative will review your account history and meter readings.
The department will investigate your dispute and respond within 30 to 45 days. During this time, you are still responsible for paying the undisputed portion of your bill to avoid late fees. If the investigation finds an error in your favor, the department will issue a credit to your account or a refund, depending on your preference.
If you suspect a water leak is causing high usage, the department can perform a leak detection service. Some leaks — such as those in the main line between the meter and your home — may be the department's responsibility to repair. Ask the representative whether a leak check is available and what it costs.
Updating your account information
You can update your mailing address, phone number, and email address through your online account at detroitmi.gov/dwsd. Log in, select account settings, and make your changes. If you do not have online access, call 313-679-7515 and provide the information to a representative.
If you are moving and want to close your account, notify the Detroit Water Department at least five business days before your move-out date. The department will schedule a final meter reading and send you a closing bill. You are responsible for any charges through the date of the final reading, even if you have already moved.
If you are moving into a property with an existing account, contact the department to transfer the account into your name. You will need to provide proof of residency, such as a lease or deed, and a photo ID. The department will update the account holder information and may schedule a meter reading to establish your baseline usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I pay late?
A late fee is added to your account if payment is not received by the due date on your bill. If your account remains unpaid for 60 days or more, the department may issue a notice of disconnection. Contact the department immediately if you receive this notice to discuss a payment plan or other options.
Can I pay my bill in person without an account number?
Yes. If you pay in person at 735 Randolph Street with a printed bill, you do not need your account number — the bill itself contains all the information the department needs. For online or phone payments, you will need your account number, which is printed on your bill.
How long does it take for an online payment to show on my account?
Online payments post the same day if submitted before 5 p.m. on a business day. If you pay after 5 p.m. or on a weekend or holiday, the payment will post on the next business day. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to process.
Is there a fee for paying online?
Credit card payments online or by phone include a processing fee. Debit card payments, bank account payments, and in-person payments do not carry a fee. The processing fee amount varies by payment method and is shown before you confirm your payment.
What is the Lifeline program?
Lifeline is a discount program for low-income households that reduces your water bill. may be able to access is based on household income and family size. Call 313-679-7515 and ask a representative whether you may be may be able to access and what documents you need to provide to apply.