Detroit Water and Sewerage Department: Pay Bill, Phone Number, DWSD Portal, EasyPay, Assistance and Emergencies
Detroit water customers usually need one of six things fast: pay the bill, log in to the DWSD Customer Portal, find a DivDat kiosk, call 313-267-8000, get help before shutoff, or report a water or sewer emergency. This guide brings the official DWSD payment, assistance, emergency, drainage and water quality resources into one practical page.
Pay online
Use the DWSD Customer Self-Service Portal to view bills, schedule payments, enroll in autopay and track usage.
Call DWSD
Call 313-267-8000 for customer service, phone payment, billing help and water/sewer emergencies.
Pay at kiosk
Use DivDat kiosks around Detroit for no-fee payment options, including cash, check and debit/credit card.
Report emergency
Call 313-267-8000 or use Improve Detroit for water main breaks, sewer backups, overflows and street flooding.
Main Official Detroit DWSD Links
How to Pay a Detroit DWSD Water Bill
Detroit customers have several official payment options: DWSD Customer Portal, DivDat kiosks, phone payment and mail. The portal is best if you want bill history, scheduled payments, autopay, payment arrangements and water usage tracking.
| Payment option | Official detail | Practical action |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Portal | View current bill, billing history, make or schedule payment, enroll in autopay, enter payment arrangement and track water usage. | Open DWSD portal and register if your name is on the bill. |
| Phone payment | Call 313-267-8000 and use automated pay-by-phone options. | Have account number, balance, due date and payment method ready. |
| DivDat kiosk | DWSD says customers can use no-fee kiosks in and around Detroit. | Use the kiosk finder and keep the receipt after payment. |
| Mail payment | Pay by check or money order payable to Board of Water Commissioners. | Mail to Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, PO Box 554899, Detroit, MI 48255-4899. |
| Assistance or payment plan | DWSD offers water assistance programs and EasyPay for past-due balances. | Call 313-267-8000 before shutoff risk grows. |
DWSD Customer Self-Service Portal: What You Can Do Online
The DWSD Customer Portal is useful for more than simple payment. It helps you manage the account, monitor water use, check history and enter payment arrangements.
View bills and history
Use the portal to view your current bill, past billing history and payment activity.
Schedule and autopay
Customers can make or schedule payments and enroll in autopay from the portal.
Track water usage
Usage tracking can help catch leaks, high consumption patterns and budget problems earlier.
DWSD EasyPay, Lifeline Plan and Water Assistance Programs
If the bill is past due or difficult to pay, do not wait. DWSD promotes assistance programs, plumbing repair help for eligible households and EasyPay for customers with past-due balances.
| Program / need | Official detail | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| EasyPay Plan | Available to DWSD customers with a past-due balance; $10 down; remaining balance spread over 36 months; no interest or fees if requirements are met. | Enroll through the Customer Portal or call 313-267-8000 and say “EasyPay.” |
| Lifeline Plan | Income-based water affordability support for eligible Detroit households. | Use DWSD Water Assistance Programs or call 313-267-8000 for current routing. |
| Plumbing repair help | DWSD assistance page points eligible low-income households with plumbing leaks to repair help. | Call the assistance contact listed by DWSD and describe the leak/high bill. |
| Not low-income but past due | DWSD says EasyPay is available even when the customer is not low-income. | Use EasyPay before the balance becomes harder to manage. |
| Veterans or community help | DWSD lists other partners such as Wayne County veteran resources, THAW, United Way and other assistance partners. | Check DWSD assistance page for current partner details and phone numbers. |
Detroit Water Main Break, Sewer Backup, Overflow or Street Flooding
DWSD says water and sewer emergencies should be reported by calling 313-267-8000 or using the Improve Detroit mobile app. This includes water main breaks, suspected leaks in the neighborhood, street flooding, sewer overflow and sewer backup.
| Problem | Official route | Important action |
|---|---|---|
| Water main break | Call 313-267-8000 or use Improve Detroit. | Give exact location, nearest cross street, water flow direction and safety hazard. |
| Street flooding | Call 313-267-8000 or use Improve Detroit. | Do not drive or walk through flooded areas. |
| Sewer backup or overflow | Contact DWSD immediately at 313-267-8000 or Improve Detroit. | Document date/time discovered and review claim requirements quickly. |
| Damage claim | Use DWSD damage claim information after reporting the issue. | State law requires written claim within 45 days of discovery. |
| Private plumbing issue | Property owner generally hires licensed plumber for private-side failures. | Keep photos, invoices, plumber notes and permit details. |
Who Is Responsible for Detroit Water and Sewer Pipes?
A major user-intent issue is knowing whether DWSD or the property owner is responsible. DWSD explains responsibility differently for water service lines and sewer lines.
Water service line responsibility
DWSD says it is responsible for the water distribution system, including mains and service lines up to the curbstop near or at the sidewalk.
The property owner is responsible for the water service line from the curbstop into the home or business, plus internal plumbing.
Sewer line responsibility
DWSD is responsible for the sewer collection system. Property owners are responsible for drains inside the structure, private property drainage and the sewer line from the structure to the city sewer connection.
If a private line fails, DWSD says the owner must hire a licensed plumber and pull the proper city permit.
Detroit DWSD Drainage Charge and Hard Surface Review
Detroit bills water, sewerage and drainage. The drainage charge can matter for property owners because it is connected to hard surfaces and stormwater management.
Check impervious area
If your hard surface estimate looks wrong, review the official Drainage Charge page and adjustment application route.
Green credit
DWSD drainage information references green credits and hard surface calculations for eligible customers.
Call for review
For drainage questions, call DWSD Customer Care at 313-267-8000 and ask for drainage charge review support.
Detroit DWSD Water Quality Report, Lead Service Lines and Alerts
The official DWSD Water Quality Report is the best source for drinking water quality information. The report also discusses lead testing, lead service line estimates, Detroit Alerts 365 and customer communication tools.
Annual water quality report
Use the 2024 Water Quality Report PDF for official drinking water testing and customer information.
Lead service line information
The 2024 report discusses DWSD lead testing and lead service line estimates under Michigan’s Lead and Copper Rule.
Detroit Alerts 365
Residents can register for Detroit-specific emergency notifications including boil water advisories and flooding alerts.
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department Phone Number, Address and Mail Payment
Use these official contact details for DWSD bill payment, account help, water and sewer emergencies, payment plans, mail payment and customer-service routing.
DWSD Customer Service
Phone: 313-267-8000
Use for: Customer service, bill payment, EasyPay, emergencies, water main breaks, sewer backups and account questions.
Office / department address: 735 Randolph Street, Detroit, MI 48226
Mail payment
Payable to: Board of Water Commissioners
Mail to: Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, PO Box 554899, Detroit, MI 48255-4899
Use check or money order only and allow mailing/processing time.
Map shows DWSD department location at 735 Randolph Street, Detroit, MI 48226. For fastest bill payment, use the official DWSD Customer Portal, phone payment or DivDat kiosk.
Common Detroit DWSD Water Bill Mistakes That Cause Delays
Most avoidable problems happen when customers wait too long to ask for help, ignore sewer backup claim timing, use unofficial payment links or confuse normal bill payment with EasyPay plan invoices.
| Mistake | Why it creates trouble | Better action |
|---|---|---|
| Using unofficial payment pages | Payment may be delayed, misdirected or include third-party confusion. | Use detroitmi.gov, csportal.detroitmi.gov, DivDat or 313-267-8000. |
| Waiting until shutoff risk | Assistance and payment arrangements take action before crisis. | Ask about Lifeline, EasyPay or assistance early. |
| Missing EasyPay monthly invoices | EasyPay customers may need to manage both the normal bill and EasyPay plan invoice. | Track both obligations inside the portal or by phone. |
| Not filing sewer backup claim in time | State law requires written claim within 45 days of discovery. | Report immediately and start documentation the same day. |
| Assuming DWSD fixes private lines | Private water/sewer line responsibility may belong to the property owner. | Confirm public/private responsibility before hiring repair work. |
| Not saving payment proof | It is harder to resolve posting or account disputes later. | Save portal confirmation, kiosk receipt, phone confirmation or mail proof. |
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department FAQs
These answers cover common searches about Detroit water bill payment, DWSD portal login, DivDat kiosks, EasyPay, Lifeline assistance, sewer backups, drainage charges, water quality and emergency reporting.
QWhat is the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department phone number?
Call DWSD Customer Service and the water/sewer emergency line at 313-267-8000.
QHow do I pay my Detroit water bill online?
Use the official DWSD Customer Self-Service Portal at csportal.detroitmi.gov or start from the City of Detroit DWSD Billing and Payments page.
QWhat can I do inside the DWSD Customer Portal?
You can view your current bill and billing history, make or schedule a payment, enroll in autopay, enter a payment arrangement and track water usage.
QCan I pay my DWSD bill at a kiosk?
Yes. DWSD says customers can visit no-fee DivDat kiosks in and around Detroit and pay with cash, check or debit/credit card.
QCan I pay my Detroit water bill by phone?
Yes. Call the automated pay-by-phone system at 313-267-8000 and follow the prompts for payment.
QWhere do I mail a Detroit water bill payment?
Mail check or money order payable to Board of Water Commissioners to Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, PO Box 554899, Detroit, MI 48255-4899.
QWhat is DWSD EasyPay?
EasyPay is a payment plan for DWSD customers with a past-due balance. DWSD says customers can enroll with $10 down and spread the remaining past-due balance across 36 months, with no interest or fees when plan requirements are followed.
QWho can use DWSD EasyPay?
DWSD says EasyPay is open to any DWSD customer with a past-due balance, including customers who are not low-income.
QDoes DWSD offer water bill assistance?
Yes. DWSD lists water assistance programs including the Lifeline Plan, EasyPay and plumbing repair help for eligible low-income households with leaks or high bills.
QWhat should I do for a water main break in Detroit?
Call DWSD at 313-267-8000 or use the Improve Detroit mobile app. Give the exact location, nearby cross street and visible water flow details.
QWhat should I do for a sewer backup or overflow?
Contact DWSD at 313-267-8000 or use the Improve Detroit app immediately. If the overflow or backup enters your home or business, review DWSD damage claim information and remember the 45-day written claim requirement.
QWho is responsible for Detroit water service lines?
DWSD says it is responsible up to the curbstop. The property owner is responsible from the curbstop into the home or business and for internal plumbing.
QWho is responsible for Detroit sewer lines?
DWSD is responsible for the sewer collection system. Property owners are responsible for drains inside the structure, on private property and the sewer line from the structure to the connection at the city sewer collection pipe.
QHow do I dispute or review a Detroit drainage charge?
Use the official DWSD Drainage Charge page. If your hard surface estimate appears incorrect, review the Drainage Charge Adjustment Application or call 313-267-8000.
QWhere can I find the Detroit water quality report?
Use the official DWSD Water Quality Report PDF linked by the City of Detroit. It includes drinking water quality, lead testing information and customer communication resources.
QIs Water-Department.org the official City of Detroit website?
No. This is an independent guide. Official payments, account changes, payment arrangements, assistance approvals, sewer backup claims, emergency reporting and water quality information must be handled through DWSD and official City of Detroit resources.
Official Sources for Detroit DWSD Customers
Use these official resources for final confirmation before paying, enrolling in EasyPay, finding a kiosk, reporting an emergency, reviewing drainage charges or checking drinking water quality.
| Official source | Use it for | Open |
|---|---|---|
| DWSD Department Page | Main Detroit Water and Sewerage Department resources, infrastructure information and program navigation. | Open DWSD |
| Billing and Payments | Bill payment options, payment help, rates, fees, DivDat and customer service contact. | Open billing page |
| Customer Self-Service Portal | Online bill pay, scheduled payment, autopay, payment arrangement and water usage tracking. | Open portal |
| Customer Portal Help | Registration help, portal features, kiosk options, phone payment and mail payment details. | Open portal help |
| DivDat Kiosk Finder | Finding no-fee payment kiosks in and around Detroit. | Open kiosk finder |
| DWSD Customer Service | Customer service, general billing, real estate closings, landlord-tenant questions and account contact. | Open customer service |
| Water Assistance Programs | Lifeline Plan, EasyPay, plumbing repair assistance and partner assistance options. | Open assistance page |
| Water and Sewer Emergencies | Water main breaks, street flooding, sewer backups, overflow reporting, private/public pipe responsibility and damage claims. | Open emergency page |
| Drainage Charge | Hard surface review, drainage fee explanation and drainage charge adjustment route. | Open drainage page |
| 2024 Water Quality Report | Official DWSD drinking water quality information, lead testing discussion and water customer notices. | Open report PDF |
Pay Smarter, Check High Bills, Start Service, Avoid Shutoff and Find Official Water Department Links
Use this free tool before paying a water bill, setting up autopay, starting or stopping service, checking a high bill, requesting leak help, or looking for the official water department portal. It gives practical next steps without collecting your account number or personal details.
What water bill or service problem do you need to solve?
Choose your situation. The tool will suggest the safest next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check first.
Start from the official water department, city, county or utility website before entering account details. Avoid random payment ads and look-alike bill pay sites.
Before paying a very unusual bill, check meter reads, toilet leaks, irrigation use, estimated bills, late fees, and whether your utility offers a leak adjustment.
Water Bill Payment Route Helper
Choose how you want to pay. The tool will tell you what to prepare and the safest payment path.
High Water Bill Checker
Compare your normal bill with the new bill and get a practical investigation path before calling customer service.
Leak Check and Adjustment Checklist
Use this before requesting a leak adjustment, disputing a bill, or calling the water department about high usage.
Start, Stop or Transfer Water Service Helper
Use this before moving, opening a new account, closing an old account, or transferring service to another address.
Past Due, Shutoff and Reconnection Helper
Use this if your account is late, disconnected, at risk of shutoff, or you need a payment plan or assistance program.
Simple Water Usage Cost Estimator
Estimate a rough bill from base charge, usage units, rate per unit, sewer charge, stormwater fee and service fees. Official tiered rates may be different.
Official Water Department Resource Finder
Enter city/utility and state to create safe searches for the official water bill portal, phone number, outage page, assistance, start service, leak adjustment, and Water-Department.org guide.
Water Department vs Payment Processor
- Water department: account help, service start/stop, leaks, repairs, shutoff, assistance.
- Payment processor: card/eCheck payment screen, payment fee, confirmation number, posting time.
Best sitewide placement
Add this tool after the main payment section or before FAQs. It helps users solve the next problem after reading the article.
Important safety note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Always confirm payment portals, phone numbers, account balance, assistance rules and reconnection steps with the official water department or utility.