Detroit Water and Sewerage Department Phone Number: DWSD Customer Service, Emergency Line, Bill Pay and Help
Detroit water customers usually need one number quickly: 313-267-8000. That number routes DWSD customer service, pay-by-phone, water and sewer emergency reporting, EasyPay, payment plans, account questions and many service requests.
This guide explains when to call DWSD, what to say, which official links to use for online payment, how to handle sewer backups, leak credits, real estate closing bills, shutoff concerns and water assistance without wasting time on the wrong page.
Main DWSD number
Call 313-267-8000 for customer service, payment transactions and water/sewer emergencies.
Pay by phone
Use the same 313-267-8000 number for DWSD automated pay-by-phone and payment help.
Emergency reporting
Report water or sewer emergencies by calling 313-267-8000 or using Improve Detroit.
Payment help
Ask about Lifeline, EasyPay, payment plans and DWSD assistance programs before shutoff risk grows.
Main Official DWSD Phone and Account Links
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department Phone Number: What to Say When You Call
The official DWSD customer service and emergency line is 313-267-8000. Use this number for billing, payments, emergencies, EasyPay, service requests and account questions.
| Reason for calling | Use this contact | What to say or prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Customer service | 313-267-8000 | Have your account number, service address, name and recent bill ready. |
| Pay by phone | 313-267-8000 | Use the automated pay-by-phone system or payment prompts. |
| Water or sewer emergency | 313-267-8000 | Give exact address, cross street, issue type and whether property/street is affected. |
| EasyPay enrollment | 313-267-8000 | Say “Easy Pay” when prompted, or enroll through the DWSD Customer Portal. |
| Email follow-up | mydwsd@detroitmi.gov | Use for non-urgent account documentation or written follow-up. |
DWSD Pay Bill Phone Number, Portal, Guest Payment and Kiosk Options
DWSD says payment transactions can be handled through the DivDat Kiosk network, DWSD portal or by calling 313-267-8000. The portal can also help with autopay, scheduled payments, payment plans and water usage monitoring.
| Payment method | Official route | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Phone payment | Call 313-267-8000 | Useful if you prefer phone prompts or need payment/account help. |
| Customer Portal | DWSD Customer Portal | Best for account login, usage tracking, payment plans, autopay and scheduled payments. |
| Guest payment | DWSD Guest Payment | Best for quick payment if you do not want full portal login. |
| DivDat kiosk | Use the DivDat Kiosk Location Finder linked from DWSD Billing and Payments. | Useful for customers who prefer in-person kiosk payment. |
| Mail payment | DWSD customer portal guidance says mail check or money order payable to the Board of Water Commissioners. | Use only when timing is not urgent. Include account details clearly. |
DWSD Emergency Number for Water Main, Sewer Backup, Service Line or Flooding Issues
DWSD says customers should call 313-267-8000 or use the Improve Detroit mobile app to report water or sewer emergencies. For sewer backup or damage claims, call first and get a Service Request number.
| Emergency type | Call / action | Important details to provide |
|---|---|---|
| Water main break | 313-267-8000 | Nearest address, cross street, water flow, street flooding and safety hazards. |
| Sewer backup | 313-267-8000 | Address, affected area, basement/floor drain details and time discovered. |
| Damage claim | Call DWSD first, then file Notice of Claim within the stated claim window. | Service Request number is required for a claim. |
| Low/no water pressure | 313-267-8000 | Whether neighbors are affected, time started and if a main break is visible. |
| Street flooding / manhole issue | Call DWSD or use Improve Detroit. | Exact location, photos if safe, water direction and traffic impact. |
DWSD Lifeline Plan, EasyPay, Payment Plans and Shutoff Help
DWSD says eligible households can use water assistance programs, including Detroit’s income-based Lifeline Plan. DWSD also lists the EasyPay Plan for past-due balances and says customers enrolled in or applied for assistance remain protected from water shutoff.
DWSD Lifeline Plan
DWSD describes the Lifeline Plan as Detroit’s income-based water affordability program for eligible households experiencing poverty.
DWSD EasyPay Plan
DWSD says EasyPay starts with a $10 down payment and divides the past-due balance across 36 months, plus current monthly charges.
DWSD Leak Credit Phone Help and Customer Portal Application
If your bill increased because of a plumbing leak, DWSD offers a Leak Adjustment Credit Application through the Customer Portal. DWSD says approved credit applies to sewerage charges for a defined period.
| Leak credit step | What to do | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| Find and fix leak | Repair the plumbing leak before expecting review. | Save plumber receipt, parts receipt, repair photos and dates. |
| Use portal | Submit Leak Adjustment Credit Application through DWSD Customer Portal. | Keep your account number and documentation ready before starting. |
| Call if confused | Call 313-267-8000 for account-specific guidance. | Ask what type of documentation is needed for your leak type. |
| Understand credit type | Credit, if approved, is on sewerage charges for a defined period. | Do not assume all water charges will be removed. |
Turn On, Transfer or Turn Off DWSD Water Service
For water service turn-on, transfer or turn-off questions, DWSD routes customers through official customer service and online service pages. If you are moving, selling property or requesting a real estate closing bill, start early.
Turn on service
Use DWSD official service resources or call 313-267-8000 for account-specific service setup requirements.
Transfer or turn off
DWSD says customers may need to pay balances before turn-off or once billed after turn-off, depending on the account situation.
Real estate closing bill
DWSD says final water read and real estate closing bill requests may take up to 30 days to complete, so do not wait until closing day.
DWSD Address, Phone, Email and Official Contact Details
The most important DWSD contact is 313-267-8000. Customer service centers are listed as closed, so customers should use phone, portal, DivDat kiosks and online forms unless DWSD gives account-specific appointment instructions.
| Contact item | Official detail | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Main DWSD phone | 313-267-8000 | Customer service, emergency line, payments, EasyPay, account help. |
| mydwsd@detroitmi.gov | Non-urgent customer service follow-up. | |
| DWSD office reference | 735 Randolph Street, Detroit, MI 48226 | Department location reference; confirm before visiting. |
| Phone support hours | Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM, except observed holidays | Billing/account calls and customer service requests. |
Map shows DWSD office reference at 735 Randolph Street, Detroit, MI 48226. DWSD customer service centers are listed as closed, so use 313-267-8000, the DWSD portal or official online resources first.
Common DWSD Phone and Account Mistakes That Cause Delays
DWSD issues are easier to resolve when you call the correct number, keep documentation and use official portal/payment links.
| Mistake | Why it creates trouble | Better action |
|---|---|---|
| Calling old or unofficial numbers | You may reach a wrong office or third-party page. | Use official DWSD number 313-267-8000. |
| Going to customer service centers without checking | DWSD says customer service centers remain closed. | Use phone, portal, DivDat kiosks or official online resources first. |
| Filing sewer backup claim without service request number | DWSD says a Service Request number is required for Notice of Claim. | Call 313-267-8000 immediately and document the request number. |
| Waiting too long after sewer backup | DWSD lists a 45-day claim window from discovery. | Report immediately and file claim quickly if applicable. |
| Not asking about assistance early | Assistance and payment plans may take time to process. | Ask about Lifeline, EasyPay and payment plans before shutoff risk grows. |
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department Phone Number FAQs
These FAQs answer common searches about DWSD phone number, customer service, emergency reporting, bill payment, EasyPay, Lifeline, leak credits, sewer backup claims and service requests.
QWhat is the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department phone number?
The official Detroit Water and Sewerage Department customer service and emergency line is 313-267-8000.
QWhat are DWSD customer service hours?
DWSD lists phone service hours as Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except observed holidays.
QWhat number do I call for a Detroit water emergency?
Call DWSD at 313-267-8000 to report water emergencies. You may also use the Improve Detroit mobile app for water or sewer emergency reporting.
QWhat number do I call for a Detroit sewer backup?
Call DWSD at 313-267-8000 immediately. If you later file a damage claim, DWSD says you must have a Service Request number.
QCan I pay my Detroit water bill by phone?
Yes. DWSD says customers may call 313-267-8000 for payment transactions and automated pay-by-phone options.
QWhat is the DWSD customer service email?
DWSD lists customer service email as mydwsd@detroitmi.gov.
QAre DWSD Customer Service Centers open?
DWSD says all three Customer Service Centers remain closed. Customers can use the DWSD portal, DivDat kiosks or call 313-267-8000.
QHow do I enroll in DWSD EasyPay?
DWSD says to call 313-267-8000 and say “Easy Pay” when prompted, or enroll through the DWSD Customer Self-Service Portal.
QHow does DWSD EasyPay work?
DWSD says the customer makes a $10 down payment, then the past-due balance is divided across 36 months, plus the current monthly water, sewer and drainage bill.
QDoes DWSD offer water assistance?
Yes. DWSD lists water assistance programs, including Detroit’s income-based Lifeline Plan, for eligible households.
QDoes applying for assistance protect from water shutoff?
DWSD says residents who are enrolled in or have applied for an assistance program will remain protected from water shutoff.
QDoes DWSD offer leak credits?
Yes. DWSD offers a Leak Adjustment Credit Application through the Customer Portal for eligible plumbing leaks. If approved, the credit is on sewerage charges for a defined period.
QHow do I file a DWSD sewer backup claim?
Call DWSD at 313-267-8000 first and get a Service Request number. DWSD says Notice of Claim must be filed within 45 days of discovering the backup.
QHow do I request a DWSD real estate closing bill?
Use the official DWSD real estate closing bill request resource. DWSD says final water read and closing bill requests may take up to 30 days to complete.
QIs Water-Department.org the official DWSD website?
No. This is an independent guide. Official payments, account decisions, emergency reporting, assistance, claims and service requests must be handled through DWSD and official City of Detroit resources.
Official Sources for DWSD Phone Number and Customer Service
Use these official DWSD resources for final confirmation before calling, paying, reporting an emergency, applying for help, filing a claim or requesting service changes.
| Official source | Use it for | Open |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit Water and Sewerage Department | Main DWSD page, customer service and emergency line, department updates and resources. | Open DWSD |
| DWSD Customer Service | Phone service hours, closed customer service center notice, portal services and payment transaction routes. | Open customer service |
| Billing and Payments | Pay bill, customer service call center, portal, DivDat kiosks, appointment notices, rates and fees. | Open billing page |
| DWSD Customer Portal | Pay bills, track usage, schedule payments, payment plans and mobile customer support. | Open portal |
| Water and Sewer Emergencies | Water/sewer emergency reporting, maintenance context and Improve Detroit routing. | Open emergency page |
| DWSD Assistance Programs | Lifeline Plan, water affordability and assistance program protection details. | Open assistance |
| DWSD EasyPay Plan | EasyPay enrollment, $10 down payment, 36-month past-due balance plan and call prompt details. | Open EasyPay |
| DWSD Leak Credit | Leak Adjustment Credit Application and sewerage charge credit rules. | Open leak credit |
| Damage Claims and Sewage Backups | Sewer backup/damage claim process, Service Request number and 45-day Notice of Claim timing. | Open claims page |
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.