Three ways to pay your Detroit Water and Sewerage Department bill
The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) accepts payments through their website, by phone, or by mail. The fastest route is online at detroitmi.gov/dwsd, where you can pay with a debit or credit card without creating an account. By phone, call 313-679-7515 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and speak to a representative who can process your payment over the phone. If you prefer mail, send a check or money order to the address printed on your bill — never send cash.
Each method has a different timeline. Online and phone payments post to your account within one to two business days. Mail payments take longer: DWSD typically receives them within five to seven business days, and processing adds another two to three days. If your bill is due soon, use the online or phone option to avoid a late fee.
DWSD does not charge a fee for online or phone payments made directly through their system. Some third-party payment processors may add a small fee if you use their service instead — check before you confirm the payment.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at detroitmi.gov/dwsd with a debit or credit card, or call 313-679-7515 during business hours to pay by phone.
- Online and phone payments post within one to two business days, while mailed checks take seven to ten days total.
- DWSD charges no fee for direct online or phone payments, but third-party payment services may add a charge.
- Your bill shows the due date and the address for mailed payments; paying after the due date triggers a late fee.
- If you cannot pay the full amount, contact DWSD to ask about payment plans before your account falls behind.
What information you need before you pay
Have your bill in front of you when you sit down to pay. You will need your account number, which appears at the top of your bill, and the amount due. If you are paying online, you will also need a debit or credit card. If you are paying by phone, a representative can look up your account by address if you do not have the bill handy, but having the account number speeds things up.
Check the due date on your bill before you pay. DWSD bills are typically due 20 days after the bill date. If you pay after the due date, a late fee is added to your next bill. The bill itself shows the exact due date, so there is no guessing.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid missed due dates
DWSD allows you to set up automatic payments through their website. Log in or create an account at detroitmi.gov/dwsd, go to the billing section, and select the automatic payment option. You can choose to pay the full bill amount each month or a fixed amount you set yourself. Automatic payments come out of your bank account on a date you choose, usually a few days before the bill is due.
Automatic payments reduce the risk of forgetting a due date and facing a late fee. They also mean you do not have to log in or call every month. If your bill amount changes significantly — for example, if you use much more water in summer — you can adjust or pause the automatic payment at any time through your account.
Understanding late fees and what happens if you miss a payment
If your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your bill, DWSD adds a late fee to your account. The amount of the late fee varies depending on your bill total, but it is typically a percentage of the amount owed. Late fees are added to your next bill, so your next payment will be higher than usual.
If you miss multiple payments, DWSD may send a notice warning that your service is at risk of disconnection. The timeline between the first missed payment and a disconnection notice is usually 30 to 60 days, but this can vary. If you receive a disconnection notice, contact DWSD immediately at 313-679-7515 to discuss your options. Many customers are able to work out a payment plan that lets them keep their service while catching up on what they owe.
Payment plans if you cannot pay your full bill
If you owe money and cannot pay it all at once, call DWSD at 313-679-7515 before your account falls behind. Explain your situation to a representative, and they can discuss a payment plan with you. Payment plans typically spread your debt over several months, with a set amount due each month in addition to your regular bill.
DWSD is more likely to work with you if you contact them before you miss a payment. Once your account is already past due, your options narrow. Starting a payment plan conversation early gives you more flexibility and helps you avoid disconnection.
How to read your bill and find what you owe
Your DWSD bill shows several pieces of information. At the top is your account number and service address. The middle section breaks down your charges: water usage (measured in gallons), sewerage charges, and any taxes or fees. At the bottom, you will see the amount due and the due date. This is the number you need to pay and the deadline for payment.
If you see charges you do not recognize or if your usage seems unusually high, contact DWSD to ask about it. A representative can explain what each charge covers and help you understand whether your usage is typical for your household size. High bills are often caused by a leak inside your home — a running toilet or a slow drip in a pipe — so it is worth investigating if your bill jumps suddenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my DWSD bill with a credit card online?
Yes, you can pay with a debit or credit card at detroitmi.gov/dwsd. The payment posts within one to two business days. DWSD does not charge a fee for this payment method.
What happens if I pay my bill late?
A late fee is added to your account if payment does not arrive by the due date. The fee is typically a percentage of your bill amount and appears on your next bill. If you miss multiple payments, DWSD will send a disconnection notice, usually 30 to 60 days after the first missed payment.
How long does it take for a mailed check to be processed?
Mailed payments take seven to ten business days total: five to seven days for DWSD to receive it, plus two to three days to process it. If your bill is due within two weeks, use online or phone payment instead to avoid a late fee.
Can I set up a payment plan if I owe money?
Yes. Call 313-679-7515 and speak to a representative about a payment plan before your account falls behind. Payment plans spread your debt over several months with a set monthly amount, and DWSD is more willing to work with you if you contact them before you miss a payment.
What should I do if my bill is much higher than usual?
Contact DWSD at 313-679-7515 to ask about the increase. A leak inside your home — such as a running toilet or dripping pipe — is a common cause of sudden high bills. A representative can help you understand your charges and advise whether a leak is likely.