Where to send your Detroit water and sewage payment
The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) accepts payments through several channels. You can pay online at detroitmi.gov/dwsd, by phone at 313-679-7515, by mail to the address on your bill, or in person at payment centers around the city.
Online payment is the fastest option — your payment posts the same day if submitted before 5 p.m. Phone payments also process immediately. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the department and post to your account, so mail early if your due date is approaching.
In-person payment centers are located at the main DWSD office (735 Randolph Street, Detroit) and at select city facilities. Call 313-679-7515 to confirm hours and locations before you go, as they vary by season and may change without notice.
Key Takeaways
- Detroit Water and Sewerage Department bills are due on the date printed on your statement, and late fees begin accruing immediately after that date.
- Online payment at detroitmi.gov/dwsd is the fastest method and posts the same day if submitted before 5 p.m.
- If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact DWSD at 313-679-7515 to discuss payment plans before your account falls behind.
- Your bill includes both water and sewerage charges, and both are suspended together if your account becomes delinquent.
Understanding your bill due date and late fees
Your bill shows a specific due date — usually 20 to 25 days after the bill is issued. Payment must arrive by that date to avoid a late fee. DWSD charges a late fee on any balance unpaid after the due date, and the fee is calculated as a percentage of the unpaid amount.
If you pay late, the fee is added to your next bill. If you continue to miss payments, DWSD may suspend your water service after 60 days of non-payment. Reconnection requires payment of all arrears plus a reconnection fee, which varies depending on whether a technician must visit your property.
The best way to avoid late fees is to set up automatic payments through the online portal. You can choose to pay the full bill amount or a fixed amount each month, and you can change or cancel the arrangement anytime.
Setting up automatic payments and payment plans
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date. Log into your account at detroitmi.gov/dwsd, select "Autopay," and choose the amount and frequency. You can pay the full bill each month or a smaller amount if you are working with DWSD on a payment arrangement.
If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, call 313-679-7515 and ask about a payment plan before your account becomes delinquent. DWSD offers arrangements that spread your balance over several months. The department is more likely to work with you if you contact them before missing a payment than if you wait until your service is at risk of suspension.
Payment plans typically require you to pay a portion of your current bill each month plus a portion of your past-due balance. The exact terms depend on how much you owe and your ability to pay. Get the agreement in writing so you have a record of what was promised.
What to do if you receive a disconnect notice
A disconnect notice means DWSD intends to shut off your water service within a specified number of days — usually 10 to 15 days from the notice date. The notice will state the exact date service will be suspended if payment is not received.
If you receive a disconnect notice, call 313-679-7515 immediately. Explain your situation and ask whether DWSD can place your account on a payment plan or delay the disconnect date while you arrange payment. Some situations — such as having a child or elderly person in the home, or a medical condition requiring water — may may have access to you for additional time.
Do not ignore a disconnect notice. Once service is suspended, you must pay all arrears plus a reconnection fee to restore water. The reconnection fee is typically $75 to $150 depending on the reason for the disconnect and whether a technician visit is needed.
Reading your Detroit water and sewerage bill
Your bill shows your account number, service address, billing period, and the amount due. The charges are broken into two main sections: water and sewerage. Water charges are based on the amount of water you used during the billing period, measured in units called hundred cubic feet (HCF). Sewerage charges are typically a percentage of your water charge.
Your bill also shows any previous balance, late fees, and credits applied to your account. If you have a credit — for example, from an overpayment or a billing adjustment — it will be subtracted from the current amount due. Check the "Amount Due" line at the top of the bill; that is the number you need to pay by the due date.
If you notice an error on your bill — such as an unusually high water charge — contact DWSD at 313-679-7515 and ask to speak with a billing representative. They can review your account and check whether a meter malfunction or leak may have caused the spike. Do not assume the charge is wrong and skip payment; continue paying your regular amount while the investigation is underway.
Checking your account balance and payment history online
Log into your account at detroitmi.gov/dwsd to see your current balance, recent payments, and billing history. The portal shows the date each payment was received and posted, which is useful if you are tracking whether a mailed payment has cleared. You can also download past bills from the portal if you need them for your records.
The online account also shows your water usage over time, broken down by billing period. If you see a sudden spike in usage, it may indicate a leak inside your home — a running toilet or dripping pipe can add hundreds of dollars to your bill over a few months. Fixing leaks quickly saves money and prevents water damage.
Payment options if you do not have online access
If you do not have internet access or prefer not to pay online, you can mail your payment to the address printed on your bill. Include your account number on the check or money order, and mail it at least 10 days before the due date to allow time for delivery and posting.
Phone payments can be made by calling 313-679-7515 and speaking with a representative, or by using an automated phone system if DWSD offers one. Have your account number and payment method (debit card or bank account) ready. Phone payments process immediately, so your account is credited the same day.
In-person payments at DWSD offices or city payment centers accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Bring your bill or account number so the payment can be posted correctly. Ask for a receipt so you have proof of payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I pay late but before my service is disconnected?
A late fee is added to your bill, but your service continues. If you pay within a few days of the due date, the late fee is usually small. The longer you wait, the larger the fee becomes. Service is only suspended after 60 days of non-payment, so you have time to catch up before that happens.
Can I dispute a charge on my water bill?
Yes. Call 313-679-7515 and explain what you believe is wrong. A representative can review your account and check your meter reading. If an error is found, DWSD will adjust your bill. Continue paying your regular amount while the dispute is being investigated.
What if I move and have a balance on my account?
You are responsible for paying any balance owed on your account, even after you move. DWSD will send bills to the address on file. Update your address with the department so you receive notices. If you do not pay, the debt may be reported to a credit agency or referred to a collection agency.
How do I know if my water meter is working correctly?
If your bill is much higher than usual and you have not changed your water habits, call 313-679-7515 and ask DWSD to check your meter. A technician can test it to see if it is reading accurately. If the meter is faulty, DWSD may adjust your bill for the period it was malfunctioning.
Can I set up a payment plan if I owe several months of bills?
Yes. Call 313-679-7515 before your service is disconnected and explain how much you owe and what you can afford to pay each month. DWSD will work with you to create a plan that allows you to catch up over time while keeping your service active. The sooner you call, the more options you have.