Leak relief and household assistance

A high water bill may have a path to review

Hidden plumbing failures can produce an alarming bill before the problem is visible. This guide separates what Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) publicly describes from the practical steps every customer can take while requesting help.

Provider-specific review

What the public record says about a leak adjustment

DWSD's Leak Credit Application provides a sewerage-charge adjustment for an eligible concealed leak rather than automatically removing the water volume measured through the meter. The customer should identify the leak, repair it promptly, retain plumbing invoices or receipts and photographs, and provide the account number, leak and repair dates, repair description, and any required notarized affidavit. The application can be submitted through the customer portal or mailed to Detroit Water & Sewerage Department, Customer Care - Leak Credit Application, 735 Randolph, Suite 801, Detroit, MI 48226. DWSD may verify that the condition was concealed, caused the excess consumption, and has been repaired; approved credit is generally limited to sewerage charges for the defined leak period. Customers should pay an undisputed bill by its due date while a review is pending to avoid late charges or interruption.

Stop the loss

Shut off the failing fixture or supply and arrange a qualified repair.

Keep proof

Save dated invoices, parts receipts, photographs, and meter readings.

Request review

Submit the request promptly and keep paying any undisputed amount.

Utility assistance

Customer assistance and eligibility

Lifeline H2O is DWSD's income-qualified affordability program, subject to available funding. Current program material describes a $34 monthly water, sewerage, and drainage bill with an indoor-use allowance tied to household size, up to 1,125 gallons per household member per month (up to 4,500 gallons for a four-person household). Enrollment can provide shutoff protection while the customer remains compliant and may include a free water audit or minor plumbing repairs. EasyPay is broader: it has no income restriction, requires a $10 initial payment, and spreads the remaining past-due balance over 36 months with shutoff and penalty protection while the customer stays current. Lifeline H2O enrollment is handled at lifeline.detroitmi.gov or 313-435-2055; EasyPay is available through the portal or 313-267-8000.

State and federal connections

Where to ask for broader aid

DWSD routes customers to Lifeline H2O, which has used Great Lakes Water Authority Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP) funding and state/regional resources; funding and eligibility can change by program year. When appropriated, federal LIHWAP-style water assistance may be administered through local partner agencies rather than as a direct DWSD credit. Current public guidance points customers to Wayne Metro, 2-1-1, and Wayne County veterans financial-hardship services for application screening and pledges. Customers should provide the DWSD account number, bill, identity, household-income or public-benefit verification, and any shutoff notice, then ask the agency to transmit a pledge to DWSD before the Final Notice deadline.

Research status for this provider

4 of 4 relief signals publicly identified

Verify with official provider ↗

Emergency route

Published detail

Leak policy

Published detail

Utility aid

Published detail

State/federal aid

Published detail

Leak and assistance notes

Build the file before asking Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) for relief

A high bill can have several causes, including a hidden plumbing failure, irrigation use, a meter issue, a change in occupancy, or a rate adjustment. The provider’s leak policy determines whether any credit is available; an unusually high bill does not automatically qualify.

Keep a dated record of the reading, the suspected source, the repair, the contractor or parts receipt, and the return to normal use. Ask whether the utility requires a specific form, a licensed repair, a meter test, photos, or a request within a fixed number of days.

For income-related difficulty, ask about local assistance, payment arrangements, state programs, and community referrals separately from a leak adjustment. These programs often use different applications, documents, funding limits, and deadlines.

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