How to pay your DWSD bill online, by phone, or by mail

The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) offers three main ways to pay your bill: online through their website, by phone with a representative, or by mailing a check. Online payment is the fastest and most direct route — you can pay immediately without waiting for mail delivery. Phone payment takes a few minutes and works if you prefer speaking to someone. Mail payment is slowest but requires no account setup or card information.

Each method has a different processing time. Online payments typically post within one to two business days. Phone payments process the same day you call. Mailed checks take seven to ten business days to reach DWSD and clear, so plan ahead if your due date is soon.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay DWSD bills online at detroitmi.gov/dwsd, by phone at 313-679-7515, or by mail to the address on your bill.
  • Online and phone payments process faster than mail, but all three methods are accepted and do not affect your account status.
  • DWSD does not charge a fee for online payment through their official website, but third-party payment services may add a processing fee.
  • If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact DWSD before the deadline to discuss payment plans or hardship programs.
  • Your bill shows your account number, due date, and amount owed — keep this information handy when you pay by phone or online.

Paying online through the DWSD website

Go to detroitmi.gov/dwsd and look for the "Pay Your Bill" or "Bill Payment" link on the homepage. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill statement. Enter your account number, the amount you want to pay, and your payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account.

DWSD's official online payment system does not charge a fee for this transaction. The payment posts to your account within one to two business days. If you use a third-party payment service or app that is not DWSD's own system, that service may charge a convenience fee — check before you confirm the payment.

Save your confirmation number after you pay. This number proves you made the payment and is useful if you need to contact DWSD about the transaction later.

Paying by phone with DWSD customer service

Call DWSD at 313-679-7515 during business hours. Have your account number and payment method ready. A representative will ask which amount you want to pay and will process the payment over the phone. This method is immediate — the payment is recorded the same day.

Phone payment works with debit cards, credit cards, and bank accounts. Like online payment, DWSD does not charge a fee for phone payments made directly through their customer service line. Ask the representative for a confirmation number before you hang up.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order payable to "Detroit Water and Sewerage Department." Include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address printed on your bill — this address changes based on which DWSD office handles your account, so always use the address on your statement rather than a general city address.

Mail payment is the slowest method. Your check must travel through the postal system, arrive at DWSD, be opened and processed, and then clear your bank. This entire process typically takes seven to ten business days. If your due date is within a week, mail is not a reliable choice.

What to do if you cannot pay by the due date

Contact DWSD before your bill is due. Call 313-679-7515 and explain your situation. DWSD offers payment plans that spread your balance over several months, which can lower your monthly payment amount. You may also be referred to hardship programs if you meet income requirements.

If you do not contact DWSD and your bill goes unpaid, late fees and interest charges will be added to your balance. Water service can be shut off if the account remains unpaid for an extended period. Reaching out early gives you more options and prevents these consequences.

Understanding your bill and account number

Your DWSD bill shows your account number at the top or in a highlighted box — this is the number you need to pay online or by phone. The bill also lists your due date, current charges, any previous balance, and the total amount owed. Some bills show a breakdown of water charges and sewerage charges separately.

If you cannot find your account number on your bill, call DWSD at 313-679-7515 and provide your address. A representative can look up your account and give you the number. Keep this number in a safe place so you have it ready when you need to pay or contact DWSD about your account.

Setting up automatic payments

DWSD allows you to set up automatic monthly payments so your bill is paid on the same date each month without you having to remember. This option is available through the online payment system on detroitmi.gov/dwsd. You authorize DWSD to withdraw the amount from your bank account or charge your card each billing cycle.

Automatic payment reduces the risk of late fees because the payment goes through on schedule. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your online account or by calling 313-679-7515. Review your bill each month to make sure the automatic payment amount is correct, especially if your usage changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to pay my DWSD bill online?

No. DWSD does not charge a fee when you pay through their official website at detroitmi.gov/dwsd. If you use a third-party payment app or service, that company may charge a convenience fee. Always check the fee before you confirm the payment.

How long does it take for my online payment to show on my account?

Online payments typically post within one to two business days. If you pay on a Friday evening, it may not show until Monday or Tuesday. If your due date is the next day, mail or phone payment is safer because they process faster.

What if I pay my bill but DWSD says they never received it?

If you paid online or by phone, you should have a confirmation number — provide this to DWSD when you call 313-679-7515. If you mailed a check, contact your bank to see if the check has cleared. DWSD can then investigate where the payment went.

Can I pay someone else's DWSD bill?

Yes. When you pay online or by phone, you only need the account number — you do not need to be the account holder. If you mail a check, write the account number clearly on it so DWSD applies the payment to the correct account.

What happens if I miss the due date?

Late fees and interest are added to your balance. If the account remains unpaid for several months, DWSD may shut off water service. Contact DWSD before the due date to set up a payment plan and avoid these consequences.