Detroit Water And Sewage Bill Pay: A Complete Guide

Paying your water and sewage bill on time is an important responsibility as a Detroit resident. The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) offers various convenient payment options to settle your monthly charges. Read on for a comprehensive guide to understanding your Detroit water bill and the different ways to pay it.

Overview of Detroit Water Bills

The DWSD issues monthly water and sewer bills to Detroit households and businesses. As a customer you are responsible for paying this bill by the due date to avoid penalties or service disruption. Key things to know

• Bills are issued monthly and due 21 days from the billing date,

• Charges are based on metered water usage plus a fixed sewage disposal fee.

• The utility may estimate usage if unable to read your meter

• Bills can be accessed and paid online through the DWSD Customer Portal.

• Various payment options are available, including online, by phone, by mail, and at authorized pay stations.

What’s Included in Your Water and Sewer Bill?

A standard Detroit water bill includes the following charges:

• Water Usage Fee: Variable fee based on the amount of water used, as measured by your water meter. Displayed in hundred cubic feet (CCF) units.

• Sewage Disposal Fee: Fixed fee for sewage treatment and wastewater system maintenance.

• Retained Refundable Fee: Refundable deposit charged to new customers. Credited back after 1 year of on-time payments.

• Service Charges: Fees for turn-on/off service, meter issues, late payments, etc.

Review your detailed charges and monitor usage through the online customer portal. Rates are set annually by the Detroit Board of Water Commissioners.

When are Detroit Water Bills Due?

Detroit water bills must be paid within 21 days of the billing date to avoid late fees or service disruption. You can find the specific due date printed on your monthly paper bill or viewable online.

Due dates do not change based on weekends, holidays, or other factors. Pay on time each month to maintain uninterrupted service. Set reminders to help avoid forgotten bills.

Late Fees and Service Shutoff

If your water bill is not paid by the due date, the DWSD will charge a 10% penalty. An additional 10% penalty is added if the bill remains unpaid after 30 days past due.

The utility can shut off water service due to non-payment after 45 days past due. Service will not be restored until the full balance and a $40 turn-on fee are paid. Avoid fees and shutoffs by paying bills on time.

Payment Options for Detroit Water Bills

The DWSD offers various convenient ways to pay your monthly water and sewer bill, including:

• Online via the Customer Portal – Securely pay by credit/debit card or electronic check. Enroll in autopay.

• By phone via the automated payment system – Call (313) 267-8000 and follow prompts to pay with credit/debit card or electronic check.

• Authorized pay stations – Pay with cash, check or card at retail locations like Check ‘n Go, Ace Cash Express, Kroger, and more.

• By mail – Mail check or money order to DWSD, P.O. Box 554899, Detroit MI 48255-4899. Include your account number.

• In person at DWSD Customer Service offices. Locations accept cash, check, credit/debit card, and money order.

Review payment options to choose the most convenient method for you each month. Consistently paying on time helps avoid headaches down the road.

Paying Online Through the DWSD Customer Portal

For fast, secure payment 24/7, the DWSD Customer Portal is the top choice. Follow these simple steps to pay online:

1. Visit https://detroitmi.gov/departments/water-and-sewerage-department/dwsd-customer-service/customer-portal

2. Click “Register” and provide your account number, email, and other info.

3. Verify your email to complete registration and log in.

4. Click “Pay Bill” and enter your payment details.

5. Review payment info and click submit.

You’ll receive an emailed receipt confirming your payment. The online portal also lets you view bills, monitor usage, enroll in autopay, and more.

Setting Up Autopay for Water Bills

For guaranteed on-time payment, enroll in autopay through the Customer Portal. This authorizes the DWSD to automatically withdraw your monthly bill amount from a designated bank account or credit card.

To enroll, log into the portal, click your profile, and select “AutoPay Enrollment.” Simply provide your payment information and confirm. This prevents forgotten bills and saves time each month.

Assistance Programs for Low-Income Customers

The DWSD offers financial assistance programs to help qualified low-income customers pay their water bills, including:

• Warranty deed program – Offers bill payment credits to low-income seniors and disabled homeowners.

• 10/30/50 payment plan – Allows customers to make payments in more manageable installments over several months.

• Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP) – Provides bill payment assistance for low-income households.

Contact DWSD Customer Support to learn more about eligibility and applying for these assistance programs.

Avoid Water Service Shutoff with Payment Arrangement

If you fall behind on payments, contact DWSD as soon as possible to set up a payment plan and avoid water shutoff. You may qualify for a payment arrangement that allows you to pay the past due balance in installments over several months.

Payment arrangements must be approved by DWSD and require keeping up with current bills in addition to the installment payments. Setting up a plan early can prevent service interruption.

What to Do if Your Water is Shut Off

If your water service has been disconnected due to non-payment, take the following steps:

• Pay your full past due balance plus a $40 restoration fee. This can be done online, by phone, or at a pay station.

• Call DWSD Customer Support at (313) 267-8000 once payment is complete to request reconnection.

• Expect restoration of service within 1 business day after payment and request receipt.

• Contact DWSD if water is not back on after 1 business day to check status.

Paying immediately and contacting the utility will help restore service as quickly as possible. Avoid shutoffs altogether by paying each bill in full and on time.

Disputing High Water Bills in Detroit

If your water bill seems unusually high, contact DWSD right away to check for potential issues like leaks, faulty meters, or billing errors. The utility will investigate high usage and make corrections as needed. Be sure to pay the undisputed portion of the bill on time while the complaint is researched.

To dispute a bill, customers can contact DWSD customer service, submit an online dispute form through their account, or file an official billing dispute and request a hearing. Provide copies of bills and reason for dispute.

Partnering with DWSD for Better Service

As a customer, you can partner with the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department for excellent service when you:

• Provide accurate account information and keep contact details updated
• Monitor metered usage and check for leaks to avoid waste
• Pay bills in full by the due date, every month
• Notify DWSD immediately with payment issues or other concerns

Strong communication and timely payment helps the utility provide reliable, uninterrupted water service throughout Detroit.

Understanding your Detroit water and sewage bill, payment due dates, and the various payment methods available allows you to manage this essential expense with ease. Pay bills on time via your preferred payment channel to avoid penalties. Contact DWSD if you have questions, concerns, or need assistance with payment. Consistent on-time payment keeps your water flowing.