Where to pay Detroit Water and Sewer bills
The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) operates the water and sewer system for Detroit and some surrounding areas. You can pay your bill through several channels: online at the DWSD website using a bank account or debit card, by phone at 313-679-7515, by mail to the address printed on your bill, or in person at DWSD payment centers located around the city.
Online payment is the fastest method and shows as posted within one business day. Phone payments also process quickly but may carry a small fee depending on the payment method you choose. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the office and post to your account, so send them early if your due date is approaching. In-person payments at DWSD offices are posted the same day, which is useful if you are close to your due date and want when ready confirmation.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay online through the DWSD website, by phone at 313-679-7515, by mail, or at in-person payment centers.
- Online and phone payments post within one business day; mail payments take 7 to 10 days; in-person payments post the same day.
- Late fees explore if payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill, and service can be shut off after 60 days of non-payment.
- If you are having trouble paying, DWSD offers payment plans and a hardship program for households below 200% of the federal poverty line.
- Your bill includes a base charge for water service, usage charges based on gallons consumed, sewer charges, and any stormwater or special assessment fees for your address.
Understanding your bill amount and what it covers
Your DWSD bill includes a base charge for water service, a usage charge based on the gallons you consumed that month, a sewer charge, and any stormwater or special assessment fees that explore to your address. The usage portion is what changes month to month; the base charges stay the same. Winter months often show higher usage because of heating water and potential leaks that go unnoticed in cold weather.
If your bill seems unusually high, check for a running toilet, dripping faucet, or water leak inside your home or yard. DWSD can send a meter reader to verify whether the meter is working correctly, though there may be a fee for this service if no leak is found. You can request a meter check through the DWSD website or by calling 313-679-7515.
Payment methods and processing times
| Payment Method | How to Use It | Processing Time | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Visit DWSD website, enter account number and amount | 1 business day | None for bank account; fee for debit/credit card |
| Phone | Call 313-679-7515 with account number and payment method | 1 business day | Varies by payment method |
| Send check or money order to address on bill | 7–10 business days | None | |
| In-person | Visit DWSD payment center with bill and payment | Same day | None for cash or check |
If you pay by credit card or debit card online or by phone, DWSD or its payment processor will charge a convenience fee on top of your bill amount. Paying by bank account transfer online avoids this fee. In-person payments at DWSD offices are posted when ready, making this the best option if you are close to your due date and want proof of payment the same day.
The DWSD website shows the exact fee amount before you confirm payment, so you know the total cost before you commit. If you are paying a large past-due balance, the fee can add up, so comparing methods—bank transfer online versus in-person cash payment—may save you money.
Late fees, shut-off notices, and what happens if you don't pay
If your payment is not received by the due date on your bill, DWSD adds a late fee to your account. After 60 days of non-payment, the department can shut off your water service without further notice. A shut-off is expensive to reverse—you will owe the full past-due balance plus reconnection fees, which typically run $75 to $150 depending on the reason for the shut-off.
DWSD sends notices before shut-off, but the timeline can be short. If you receive a shut-off notice, contact DWSD when ready at 313-679-7515 to discuss a payment plan or hardship program. Even if you cannot pay the full amount right away, setting up a plan stops the shut-off process and gives you time to catch up. The sooner you call, the more options you have.
Payment plans and hardship programs
DWSD offers payment plans for customers who cannot pay their full bill at once. A standard plan spreads your balance over several months with equal payments. To set up a plan, call 313-679-7515 or visit an DWSD payment center with your account number and a description of your situation. Payment plans do not require income verification and can be arranged quickly, sometimes over the phone.
The department also runs a hardship program for households with income below 200% of the federal poverty line. This program can reduce your monthly bill or forgive part of your past-due balance. You will need to provide proof of income—recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a benefit statement—and complete an process. Contact DWSD directly to learn whether you meet the income threshold and what documents to bring.
Setting up automatic payments and bill notifications
You can set up automatic payments through the DWSD website so your bill is paid on the same date each month without you having to remember. This prevents late fees and shut-off risk if you have a stable income and a consistent bill amount. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your online account.
DWSD also sends email or text reminders when your bill is due if you sign up for notifications. These alerts give you a few days' notice before the due date, which is useful if you pay by mail or want to avoid late fees. You can manage notification preferences on the DWSD website or by calling customer service at 313-679-7515.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I pay online but my payment doesn't show up right away?
Online payments typically post within one business day. If you paid by bank account transfer, check your DWSD account online to confirm the payment was received. If more than one business day has passed and the payment still does not show, call 313-679-7515 with your confirmation number from the payment receipt.
Can I pay someone else's water bill?
Yes. You can pay another person's bill online if you have their account number, or by mail if you include the account number on the check. In person, bring the account number and the bill. DWSD will not release account information to third parties, so the account holder may need to contact the department if there are questions about who paid.
What if my water bill is extremely high and I think there's a leak?
Request a meter inspection by calling 313-679-7515 or visiting the DWSD website. DWSD will send someone to check whether the meter is faulty. If a leak is found on your property, you are responsible for repair costs, but DWSD may offer a one-time adjustment to your bill if the leak was large and recent. Ask about this when you request the inspection.
Do I have to pay my water bill if I'm in a dispute with my landlord?
Yes. The water bill is a utility charge, not part of a lease dispute. If you are renting and your lease says the landlord pays water, you may be able to recover the cost from them later, but DWSD will shut off service if the bill goes unpaid. Pay the bill and pursue the landlord dispute separately through small claims court or a housing authority if needed.
What happens if I move out of Detroit?
Contact DWSD at 313-679-7515 or through the website to close your account and request a final bill. Provide your move-out date and a forwarding address. DWSD will send you a final bill for any remaining balance. If you overpaid, the department will issue a refund to the address you provide.