Where to send your Detroit water and sewer payment
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, or in person at payment centers across the city. The online portal is the fastest route — payments post within one business day when you pay before 5 p.m. on a weekday.
If you pay by mail, send your check or money order to the address printed on your bill. Include your account number on the check. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to post, so send them early if you are close to a due date. Do not mail cash.
In-person payments at DWSD offices or authorized payment centers avoid mail delays and give you a receipt on the spot. Call 313-679-7515 to find the payment center nearest you, or check the DWSD website for current locations and hours.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment at detroitmi.gov/dwsd posts within one business day and is the fastest way to pay.
- Phone payments at 313-679-7515 work if you have your account number and a debit or credit card ready.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days, so send them at least two weeks before the due date to avoid a late fee.
- Your bill shows the due date, the amount owed, and your account number — keep this information when you contact DWSD or pay online.
Reading your Detroit water and sewer bill
Your bill shows three main charges: water service, sewerage service, and stormwater service. Water is what flows into your home. Sewerage is the cost to treat wastewater that leaves your home. Stormwater covers the system that handles rain runoff in your neighborhood. Each charge is based on your meter reading or a fixed rate, depending on your account type.
The bill also lists any taxes, fees, or adjustments from the previous month. If you see a charge you do not recognize, call 313-679-7515 before you pay — the department can explain any line item on your bill. Look for the due date near the top or bottom of the bill; payments received after this date trigger a late fee.
What happens if you miss a payment
A late fee is added to your bill if payment does not arrive by the due date. DWSD may also shut off your water service if your account falls 60 days behind. A shutoff notice is mailed to you before the service is cut, giving you time to pay or contact the department to work out a plan.
If your water is shut off, you must pay the full balance plus a reconnection fee to restore service. Reconnection can take one to three business days depending on the time of day you pay. Call 313-679-7515 immediately if you receive a shutoff notice — the department sometimes offers payment arrangements for customers facing hardship.
Setting up automatic payments or a budget plan
Automatic payment through the DWSD website removes the risk of forgetting a due date. You can set it up to pay your full bill or a fixed amount each month. Log into your account at detroitmi.gov/dwsd, select the autopay option, and provide your bank account or card details. You can cancel or change the amount anytime.
If your bill varies month to month and you want a predictable payment, ask DWSD about a budget billing plan. The department averages your annual usage and charges you the same amount each month. This smooths out seasonal spikes in summer or winter. Call 313-679-7515 to see if you may have access to and to enroll.
Disputing a charge or reporting a leak
If your bill is unusually high, a leak in your home or service line may be the cause. Check for running toilets, dripping faucets, or wet spots in your yard or basement. A small leak can add hundreds of dollars to your bill over a month. Call 313-679-7515 to report a suspected leak and ask whether DWSD can investigate the service line (the pipe from the street to your home).
If you believe a charge is wrong, contact DWSD with your account number and the specific line item in question. The department can review your meter reading and usage history. Some disputes are resolved in one call; others may require a meter test or a site visit. Ask for a reference number when you call so you can follow up on your case.
Finding help if you cannot pay
Detroit residents facing hardship may be able to reduce their bill or set up a payment plan. Contact DWSD at 313-679-7515 and explain your situation. The department has programs for low-income households and can sometimes defer payment or lower your charges temporarily.
You can also reach out to local nonprofits that help with utility bills. Call 211 (dial 2-1-1) to find organizations in Detroit that offer bill payment support or financial counseling. Have your account number and recent bill ready when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my bill with a credit card online?
Yes. The DWSD website accepts Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. American Express is not accepted. There is no fee for debit card payments, but credit card payments may carry a small processing fee — the website will show this before you confirm.
How do I know if my payment went through?
Online payments show a confirmation number immediately after you submit. Keep this number for your records. If you pay by phone or mail, call 313-679-7515 a few days later to confirm the payment posted to your account. Your online account also shows payment history once you log in.
What if I move and need to close my account?
Contact DWSD at least two weeks before you move. Provide your forwarding address so the final bill reaches you. You are responsible for all charges up to the day service ends, even if you have already moved out. The department will send a final bill to your new address.
Can I pay someone else's bill?
Yes, but you need their account number. You can pay online, by phone, or by mail using their account number instead of your own. The payment will post to their account. If you are a family member or authorized user, you can also set up online access to manage the account directly.
What is the difference between my water bill and my sewer bill?
Water is the service charge for treated water delivered to your home. Sewer is the charge for treating wastewater that leaves your home. Both appear on the same bill. Stormwater is a separate charge for managing rain runoff. All three are required services in Detroit.