Water and Sewer Meters

The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) uses AMR meters to track water usage at a customer's property in order to monthly bill for water and sewerage services. The readings are transmitted electronically to the DWSD billing system. A small fraction of customers still have estimated meter reads due to older equipment that DWSD is currently in the process of updating. The Drainage Charge is based on impervious, hard surfaces, does not use a meter and is not dependent upon water usage.

Meter Appointments

Please read these important DWSD updates below, as well as this notice.

DWSD is working hard to better serve you. 
We added Saturday hours for meter appointments, along with other improvements.

• Appointment hours Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning November 1
• Saturday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. now available as well

To schedule a meter appointment, call 313-267-8000.

Do you have a meter appointment?

Clear a safe pathway to the meter. If you need to reschedule your appointment, call 313-267-8000. A missed appointment pulls resources from other customers and may result in a $40 fee. 

If you are having a licensed plumber install/repair your plumbing and need to have a meter installed to get water service, please view the meter diagrams under the "Documents" section below.

New Meter Reading Technology

In 2023, DWSD will begin installing new meter reading devices at all houses and buildings in Detroit over the next two years. Residents will receive a door hanger notification in advance of work beginning at your property. The upgraded devices are required to record real-time and accurate meter readings and use new 5G technology. In most cases, a DWSD employee or contractor will be only on the outside of your house or building to complete this work. For questions, refer to the FAQ document below or call 313-267-8000.